Tillerson Signals Donald Trump Administration Stance on Cuba

Tillerson Signals Donald Trump Administration Stance on Cuba
Fecha de publicación: 
13 June 2017
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During a discussion before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Tillerson stated that the overall approach is to allow bilateral trade with Cuba to continue as much as possible, since 'they see the good side of rapprochement politics,' the New York Post newspaper reported.

At the same time, he said that there are some issues of diplomatic importance at regional level in which they want to agree with Cuba, because he believes that 'there could be some areas of common interest' in the recent relationship.

But Tillerson said that US government sees 'troubling' elements in the diplomatic relation passed by former President Barack Obama (2009-2017), which he justified on the issue of human rights.

Even though Cuba has ratified its willingness to maintain a relationship with the United States by recognizing and respecting the existing differences on such an issue, the US secretary considered it as an argument to criticize some aspects of this diplomatic relation.

Tillerson stated they are currently valuing the possibility to reinstate the intent of the Helms Burton Act, a 1996 extraterritorial law that, among other things, strengthens the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by Washington and also seeks for its internationalization.

Local media reported that within three days, the US President will announce the reversal of elements on the policies undertaken by Obama.

Concerning this possibility, many Republican and Democratic lawmakers, companies, travel agencies, Cuban-American groups, among other sectors, ask Donald Trump to continue and expand the rapprochement to Cuba.

The aforementioned people stressed that continuing a bilateral relation with Cuba will provide some benefits to the United States in terms of trade, job opportunities, security, diplomacy, among others.

A survey released yesterday by the Engage Cuba coalition showed that 65 percent of US citizens, including over six of 10 Republicans, support Obama's policies.

Engage Cuba Coalition President, James Williams, has stated that the political and personal interests of two members of US Congress should not exceed the will of the US people or the best interests of Cubans, he said.

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