Sanctions may go, US to sell food to Cuba

Washington, Oct 6: For the first time in four decades, the United States has allowed the sale of food to Cuba.The agreement reached here l...

Washington, Oct 6: For the first time in four decades, the United States has allowed the sale of food to Cuba.

The agreement reached here last night by Senate negotiators would end the unilateral trade embargo against the Communist regime led by Fidel Castro and four other countries blacklisted by the American state department – Iran, Sudan, Libya and North Korea.

American farmers would be allowed to sell grain and rice to these countries. However in the case of Cuba, they would not be able to use US banks to finance deals.

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Democaratic negotiators opposed the plan on grounds that it was too restrictive to help farmers or foster improved relations with Cuba. Under the compromise struck by the House and Senate leaders, farmers could sell their products to Cuba for cash or with credit from third country banks.

American banks could serve only as conduits for confirming sales and paying farmers for the shipments.

But the tentative agreement would toughen the ban on US citizens to travel to Cuba. American exporters of grain and other food products would be authorised to visit Havana on similar terms as scholars and journalists are currently allowed.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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