Limitless Cigars and Rum for U.S. Tourists in Cuba
Limitless Cigars and Rum for U.S. Tourists in Cuba
By Rose Delaney
Monday, October 24, 2016
ROME, Oct 23 2016 (IPS) - After more than a half-century of a commercial, financial and economic embargo, U.S.-Cuban trade relations took a significant step forward this month.
On Oct. 14, the Barack Obama administration announced a round of executive actions designed to increase trade and travel with Cuba. One of these included lifting restrictions on Cuban rum and cigars for U.S. travelers in Cuba.
The executive actions were taken following a series of changes made since Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17, 2014 that they were committed to normalise relations after decades of enmity.
The lifting of trade restrictions signifies the willingness of both policymakers and the public to form a positive relationship between the U.S and Cuba. Many hope the breakdown of trade barriers will lead to a new era of economic vitality for Cuban citizens.
The Obama administration has called for a rescinding of the 50-year-old economic embargo on the island. The U.S. administrations ultimate goal would be to make Obamas trade policy with Cuba irreversible through the establishment of a wide network of trade relationships strong enough to defeat any future opposition from the public or Republican lawmakers alike.
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http://www.ipsnews.net/2016/10/limitless-cigars-and-rum-for-u-s-tourists-in-cuba/