Senator Leahy criticizes Trump and reiterates the importance of a rapprochement between Cuba and the United States
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Washington, Nov. 21.- US Senator Patrick Leahy reiterated his criticism of the measures applied by the Trump administration against Cuba and stressed the importance of the rapprochement between the two countries.
I have talked about the need to approach Cuba many times. It is of our national interest because our past policy of unilateral sanctions and isolation, applied for more than half a century, did not achieve any of its objectives, said the Democratic legislator for Vermont in a statement released on Wednesday, highlights Prensa Latina.
Leahy said that since the beginning of Trump's presidency, the White House issued constant executive orders to reverse the approach initiated during the Barack Obama administration (2009-2017), which have greatly restricted American travel to the island.
"Cuba is the only country in the world that Americans cannot travel freely, apart from North Korea, because President Trump apparently believes it is his prerogative to tell Americans where they can travel and spend their own money," the senator said. .
He said there are other nations with which Washington has deep disagreements, such as Russia, China, Egypt or Turkey, 'but no one proposes that we prevent Americans from going to those countries, and if they did, Republicans and Democrats would strongly oppose.' .
In his statement, which should be included in the Register of Congress, he mentioned that the US Embassy in Havana, and that of the island in this capital, are operating with a very small staff, so the ability of both governments to process visas and carrying out diplomacy is in a virtual stalemate.
He recalled that Cubans seeking visas to come to this country to participate in educational programs and cultural, business or scientific exchanges, should go to a third nation to apply for them, which makes the process much more expensive, and the decision to reduce the most air and sea trips to the island.
Why don't we at least increase the number of consular officials in our embassies so that Americans and Cubans can visit their countries? He asked.
According to Leahy, the cause of the illnesses suffered by members of the staff of the US Embassy in the Caribbean territory, on which, he said, "there is still no evidence that involves the Cuban Government despite the contrary claims of some '.
But he said the last incident of that kind occurred more than a year ago, "and there are certainly US Foreign Service Officers who would appreciate the opportunity to serve in Havana."
Both governments should be working to create favorable conditions to restore consular services staff so that they can better serve the people of our two countries, he said.
