Cuba suspends consular services in U.S., blames embargo
Source: Reuters
Cuba suspends consular services in U.S., blames embargo
BY DAVID ADAMS
MIAMI Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:35pm EST
(Reuters) - Cuba is shutting down nearly all of its consular services in the United States "until further notice" after it said it was unable to find a bank willing to handle its business, the government announced on Tuesday, blaming the situation on the longstanding U.S. economic embargo.
The decision threatens to disrupt a recent surge in travel between the United States and Cuba on the eve of the upcoming busy holiday season.
The Cuban Interests Section, Havana's diplomatic mission in Washington, said in a news release that it was informed in July by its bank, M&T Bank, that it would no longer be able to provide banking services to foreign missions.
Officials at Buffalo, New York-based M&T Bank did not respond to phone calls seeking comment. The Obama administration did not immediately comment on the announcement.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/26/us-cuba-usa-banking-idUSBRE9AP12520131126