United States President Barack Obama has extended the trade embargo of Cuba by one year. He says the embargo will stay in place until the Communist regime frees political prisoners and improves the human rights situation.

Since the 1970s, all US presidents have extended the embargo year by year. Critics see Mr Obama's move as a missed opportunity to improve relations with the island. Earlier this year, the president relaxed travel restrictions between the US and Cuba.

There has been no official response from the Cuban regime but the BBC reports that many Cubans are bitterly disappointed. Amnesty International was calling on Mr Obama not to sign the annual extension of the trade sanctions.

Since Cuban leader Raúl Castro took over power from his brother, the regime has been relaxing the restrictions on its citizens. Cubans now have free access to the internet at post offices, and church services are now allowed in Cuban prisons.

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