U.S. experts canvass Cuba on embargo impact [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Source: San Diego Union/Reuters

U.S. experts canvass Cuba on embargo impact
By Marc Frank
REUTERS

7:07 a.m. June 15, 2007

HAVANA – The U.S. International Trade Commission wrapped up a five-day visit to Cuba Friday to gauge how Communist authorities might react if U.S. agriculture trade rules and travel restrictions were lifted.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Finances requested the independent government investigation on the effects on the U.S. economy of easing the restrictions on agricultural sales to the Caribbean island.
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With the Democrats now the majority in Congress, embargo opponents are backing a number of bills that would loosen trade and travel restrictions.

“There is very strong support for various Cuba initiatives. In the House, lifting travel restrictions has 110 co-sponsors; agriculture could easily draw 300 votes, and many of the Democratic leaders are supporters,” said Sarah Stephens, executive director of the Washington-based Center for Democracy in the Americas.

The Bush administration and Cuban-American political establishment oppose any loosening of the embargo as supporting the Castro regime.




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