After more than a dozen meetings with Cuban and U.S. officials, Vanguard Energy signed a contract to lease facilities owned by the Cuban government to store fuel, allowing its larger oil tankers to head to Cuba.

Thousands of claims by American citizens and companies for properties nationalized in Cuba are now worth billions.

The deal is the first of its kind and could pave the way for more American companies to participate in Cuba's energy sector, a goal the Trump administration has been pursuing.

By Ayose Naranjo HAVANA, June 9 (Reuters) - Colombian Ramiro Escobar had long dreamed of visiting Cuba. After putting off the trip for decades, last week the 68-year-old finally toured the island's best-known sites — including the white sands of beach resort Varadero.

Cuba reached a record 1,281 political prisoners at the end of May, according to a report released by human rights organization Prisoners Defenders.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has accused the United States of worsening Cuba's humanitarian crisis through a growing sanctions regime that he says is breaching international law.

HAVANA/CANCUN, June 8 (Reuters) - A historically strong earthquake struck off Cuba's northwest coast on Monday, according to official reports, shaking parts of Cuba, Mexico and Florida that are typically not prone to quakes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces sanctions on Union Cuba-Petroleo after Havana and Beijing hold positive bilateral talks.