Congress Members Want Review of Cuba Policy
Tuesday February 19, 2008
Miami Herald
Pablo Bachelet

More than 100 members of Congress on Tuesday sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice requesting a ''tough-minded review of U.S. policy'' toward Cuba following the leadership change there.

An ''orderly succession'' has occurred following Fidel Castro's announcement that he would not seek the presidency and 50 years of sanctions have failed to produce a change of government, according to the letter signed by 104 representatives -- none from Florida.

''Our policy leaves us without influence at this critical moment, and this serves neither the U.S. national interest nor average Cubans, the intended beneficiaries of our policy. A complete review of U.S. policy is clearly in order now,'' the lawmakers said.

''This would send a useful signal to the Cuban people that we intend to engage with their government in new and positive ways, and also provide a new hearing for U.S. policy in many places around the region,'' the letter added.