The Latest: Trump aide talks future of US-Cuban relations

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President-elect Donald Trump's transition (all times EST):

9:50 a.m.

A top aide to Donald Trump says the president-elect will reverse President Barack Obama's opening to Cuba absent any change of direction by the Cuban government.

Reince Priebus, who has agreed to serve as White House chief of staff, tells "Fox News Sunday," the current arrangement between the U.S. and Cuba has benefited only Cuba.

He says Trump will want some movement in the "right direction" from Cuba to continue the diplomatic relationship. Priebus cited respect for freedom of religion as an example.

Trump can reverse Obama's opening to Cuba without help from Congress because it was done by executive order, not legislation.

Trump pledged during the presidential campaign to undo the overtures unless the government of Raul Castro met his demands. Trump did not repeat that pledge in a statement Saturday following the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

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9:25 a.m.

President-elect Donald Trump and President Barack Obama spoke for about 45 minutes on Saturday — the day it was announced that former Cuban leader Fidel Castro had died.

Word of the private discussion comes from top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway.

She's not saying what the two discussed, but she says the two men "talk regularly" and "get along nicely" despite strong disagreements on policy.

Conway tells NBC's "Meet the Press" that "there's a respect there."

Conway won't say what Trump might do after he becomes president with regard to U.S.-Cuban relations.

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Copyright 2016 The Gayly - 11/27/2016 @ 9:03 a.m.