SAN SALVADOR - The United States on Sunday welcomed Cuba's decision to hold talks on migration and direct mail service but said it must still improve human rights before its isolation can be fully ended.

"We're very pleased that the Cuban government has agreed to talks on migration and direct mail links," Clinton told reporters during a visit to El Salvador for Monday's inauguration of President Mauricio Funes.

The move to resume talks on migration and hold talks on direct mail service are in the interests of both countries, she said.

"At the same time we will continue to press the Cuban government to protect basic rights, release political prisoners and move toward democratic reform," she said.

Clinton said she was taking her message on the need for Cuba to embrace democracy to Honduras, where she will attend the 35-member Organization of American States (OAS) general assembly on Tuesday.

The OAS is beset by a row over the pace of normalization with Cuba. President Barack Obama's administration insists Cuba release political prisoners and improve political freedoms before it is readmitted. Some OAS states however want Cuba readmitted right away.

Clinton reiterated the US stand on the OAS.

"We believe that membership in the OAS comes with responsibilities and that we must all hold each other accountable," she said.

"These responsibilities include abiding by the principles of democracy and human rights enshrined in the OAS charter and in the Inter-American democratic charter," she said.

--AFP