Perhaps the most significant rule change is one that removes existing restrictions on payment and financing terms for authorized exports and reexports to Cuba.
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“These regulations are more proof that the Obama administration’s intent has never been to empower the Cuban people but rather to empower the Cuban government’s monopolies and state-run enterprises”.
Restrictions on travel have been loosened as well, allowing blocked space, code-sharing, and leasing arrangements with Cuban airlines.
The Ministry said Friday that Cuban officials also raised complaints about the U.S. Embargo’s negative impact on island communications.
In a statement, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said these new measures “send a clear message to the world: the United States is committed to empowering and enabling economic advancements for the Cuban people”.
In an interview with EFE, the USA contractor, whose incarceration in Cuba was a stumbling block to any reconciliation of the two countries, said the Cuban government is “fractured in different factions trying desperately to hang onto their piece of a disintegrating pie”. The official said US companies had raised issues including Cuban currency reform and allowing foreign companies to hire Cubans directly.
Crews on such commercial flights also are authorized to temporary stay in Cuba.
Rubio added Tuesday that America’s Cuba policy should be focused on US national security interests, as well as expanding political freedom and human rights for Cubans.
She noted that allowed exports to Cuba will now include those meant to help in disaster preparedness and in support of education and agricultural production, such as pesticides, fertilizers and farm equipment.
“You would expect that this would open up a lot of areas where there should be enhanced trade”, said James Williams, head of the anti-embargo USA group Engage Cuba.
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“That requirement made hosting premiere events on the island hard. They’re not relevant to the future of Cuba”, Gross, 66, said at the Washington apartment where he has lived since shortly after his liberation on December 17, 2014, the same day the diplomatic thaw between the United States and Cuba was announced.
