Obama may set new policy on Cuba's aging revolution [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

Obama may set new policy on Cuba's aging revolution
Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:19pm EST

By Anthony Boadle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Five decades after Fidel Castro toppled a U.S.-backed dictator to take power in Cuba, the Cold War rivalry with Washington could be thawing as President-elect Barack Obama looks to ease sanctions against the communist-run island.

Obama has made clear he favors relaxing restrictions on family travel and cash remittances by Cuban Americans to Cuba, which this week marks the 50th anniversary of Castro's revolution.

Obama could also reverse other steps taken by outgoing President George W. Bush to tighten sanctions on Cuba, such as the prepayment of food imports from the United States, and he is expected to restore migration talks broken off by Bush.

Experts on Cuba believe modest changes in policy will come quickly, but stop short of lifting the trade embargo first imposed in 1962 or allowing all Americans to travel to the island 90 miles off the coast of Florida.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BS3VP20081229?rpc=401&