Feature: Cubans await Kerry's visit amid concerns

Cubans are anticipating U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit on Friday in a mixed feeling of hope and concern, when he will preside over the ceremonial inauguration of the U.S. embassy here.

The visit marks the first time in 60 years a U.S. secretary of state travels to the island, which restored diplomatic ties with Washington on July 20 after half a century of animosity. While Kerry's upcoming visit instills hope in many Cubans, it also reminds them of many outstanding issues between the two countries.

"We will have to receive him with respect, as fitting following the restoration of relations between the two countries," said Alberto Marrero, an electrician. "There are still many issues left to resolve between the two countries."

At present, the two nations are working towards normalizing ties, a much more complicated process that requires the participation of legislative bodies to amend existing laws and sanctions.

For Yaumara Cabrales, the visit by the U.S. top diplomat "is a symbol that both countries can coexist in peace and overcome so many years of great mutual hostility."

Elena Diaz, a retired teacher, voiced a common concern about the motives behind Washington's warming towards Cuba, saying "the United States is going to continue to harass us, though now they'll do it in a more subtle and diplomatic way."

On the news and commentary website Cuba Si, Cuban political observer Jorge Gomez Barata wrote the change in ties came about because both countries were ready to take a new direction.

"In my opinion, another era of prosperity is likely to begin which, managed through acquired maturity, can successfully tackle the complexities of a new political relationship with the United States, and insert itself into the ins and outs of the global economy," he said.

U.S. President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the five-decade policy of isolation must be changed. In the same vein, Kerry has said the interests of both countries are better served by engagement than estrangement.

"Today, we are not going to the trenches, we are climbing out of them, not to launch new battles, but to try to ensure there are no more battles. It's not an armistice or a truce, we want peace," Gomez Barata said.

Kerry is due to raise the U.S. flag at his country's embassy in Havana at a morning ceremony, then meet with Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez. Both men will later hold a joint press conference.

The two last met on July 20 in Washington to celebrate the re-establishment of diplomatic ties. Rodriguez raised the Cuban flag at his country's embassy there, then took part in a joint press conference with Kerry.

Kerry is also set to hold a low-profile meeting on Friday with "a small group" of Cuban dissidents. Endi