Alberto de la Cruz predicted it, Obama may release his new Cuba sanctions policy tomorrow against the apartheid Castro regime
Today, the Administration announces new regulations for Cuba travel, trade
Here’s the White House Statement by the Press Secretary on the Publication of Regulatory Changes regarding Cuba (emphasis added)
Last month, President Obama announced historic changes to our Cuba policy, beginning the process of normalization between our countries, and announcing his commitment to ease restrictions on American citizens and businesses. Today, the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and Commerce took a significant step forward in delivering on the President’s new direction by publishing regulatory amendments to existing Cuba sanctions. These changes will immediately enable the American people to provide more resources to empower the Cuban population to become less dependent upon the state-driven economy, and help facilitate our growing relationship with the Cuban people.
We firmly believe that allowing increased travel, commerce, and the flow of information to and from Cuba will allow the United States to better advance our interests and improve the lives of ordinary Cubans. The policy of the past has not worked for over 50 years, and we believe that the best way to support our interests and our values is through openness rather than isolation. The United States remains committed to our enduring objective of promoting the emergence of a more prosperous Cuba that respects the universal rights of all its citizens.
So, no, not effective Friday, effective immediately? The NYT says
a set of new regulations to take effect on Friday easing decades-old restrictions on travel, business and remittances
so let’s not split hairs over the date; after all, everyone knew something like this was coming.
UPDATE:
Read it and weep, Fact Sheet: U.S. Department Of Commerce and U.S Department Of The Treasury Announcement Of Regulatory Amendments To The Cuba Sanctions
Many Cubans with cigar knowledge and skill fled Cuba to Honduras and Nicaragua to produce cigars. I read an article that the quality of their cigars are better that what Cuba has to offer.
Right now the US is the main food supplier of food products to Cuba. The problem for Cuba has is she has to pay in advance.
The real embargo is the Cuban leadership has embargo against her own people.
Maybe one reason Obama want to close Gitgo is so he can give Gitgo back to Cuba. Would it be great to have Russian warships anchored at Gitgo??
Cuba is backed into a corner because their sponsor Venezuela is in the process of going belly up. Now is the time to stay tough with Cuba instead of letting her off the hook.
Maybe one reason Obama want to close Gitgo is so he can give Gitgo back to Cuba
At this point, nothing would surprise me.