For Immediate Release Contact: Michael Elazier
June 27, 2000 202-225-3315
CBC Welcomes Latest Agreements to Ease the Embargo
Against Cuba, But Still Remains Concerned
(Washington, DC) --- Today, Rep. James E. Clyburn and members of the
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) expressed their support for an agreement
reached by the Republican House leadership to lift the nearly 40 year-old
food and medicine embargo against Cuba. Late Monday night/early Tuesday
morning the GOP leadership cut a deal with Rep. George Nethercutt (R-WA)
regarding his Cuban embargo bill, after six hours of tough negotiations.
"We are encouraged by the preliminary reports of the agreement , said Rep.
Clyburn, "however we are not inclined to celebrate just yet, but we
recognize that any agreement that would allow food and medicine into Cuba is
a step in the right direction for the Cuban people."
The CBC still has reservations regarding the compromises of the original
Nethercutt bill, which the CBC supported. Some of the provisions reportedly
compromised include the agreement's prohibition of exports from Cuba to the
US, prohibitions of private financing to Cuba by US companies, and
prohibitions that would require licensing for sales to all entitites, public
and private.
"These are significant changes to the bill which we feel must still be
addressed," continued Rep. Clyburn, "we will continue to monitor these
During the Memorial Day recess, Chairman Clyburn lead the second CBC
delegation to Cuba. This timely agreement comes as the Cuba's Minister of
Health, Dr. Carlos Dotres, will be a special guest at the CBC weekly meeting
in Washington Wednesday, and will more than likely comment on these recent
negotiations to the Caucus.