Cuba artists ask US to ease sanctions after storms

[Bacchus39]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080916/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_cuba_us_hurricane_artists;_ylt=AmxvbegwK3tkgSwxYuoywja3IxIF


Cuba artists ask US to ease sanctions after storms 35 minutes ago



HAVANA - Hundreds of Cuban writers, musicians and artists are asking the U.S. to ease trade restrictions and speed the import of food and building supplies to help the island rebuild after Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.


The two storms caused US$5 billion in damage as they ripped across Cuba this month.

A letter addressed to the world's artists and intellectuals was signed by musicians Silvio Rodriguez, Pablo Milanes and Chucho Valdes, writers Miguel Barnet and Roberto Fernandez Retamar, dancer Alicia Alonso and painter Roberto Fabelo, among others.

Cuba has refused US$5 million in aid from Washington, instead asking U.S. officials to ease trade sanctions for at least for six months so it can buy U.S.-made products to aid its recovery.

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where is Castro's little fat comrade to the South? why isn't he pitching in?

[provis99]

1. I assume by "fat comrade to the South" you are insulting Chavez.

Hugo Chavez has already sent aid to Cuba after Hurrican Gustav, and has stated he will send more aid now that Hurricane Ike has hit Cuba.

[EFerrari]

2. Cuba is not asking for charity.

[Bacchus39]

3. yes they are. they are asking for a line of credit since they have

no money to buy anything. why doesn't Hugo finance their rebuilding?

[Billy Burnett]

4. Cuba has far less per capita debt than the US.

Americans pointing out that a line of credit is needed by Cuba "since they have no money to buy anything" is just laughable.

A line of bank credit for Cuba to buy US products would insured by a credit re-insurer. It is the US's extraterritorial sanctions that prevent any and all banks and insurers that do business in the US from selling Cuba credit w/insurance. It requires a special permit granted by the US OFAC by US government dictate. The Bush criminals certainly won't grant an exemption - trade with Cuba would be good for American businesses and labor and good for Cuba, but, that isn't their agenda.