White House Rejects Economic Sanctions Lift Against Cuba - 2002-05-16

The White House rejected former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's request to Congress regarding the lifting of economic sanctions imposed against Cuba. A White House spokesperson stated that the sanctions are a "vital" part of U.S. foreign policy and that trade with Cuba only aids a repressive regime. However, 40 members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, reflected Mr. Carter's request to lift the sanctions, stating that these sanctions have not led to any significant change in Cuba. On Tuesday, Mr. Carter delivered an unprecedented and uncensored speech in Havana, during which he also urged the Cuban government to implement democratic reforms. President Bush is expected to take a tougher stance on Cuba during his upcoming visit to Miami, where many exiled Cubans reside. On the last full day of his trip to Cuba, Jimmy Carter is set to meet with political dissidents and human rights activists. On Wednesday night, Fidel Castro, the President of Cuba, hosted a dinner in honor of Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. At 77 years old, Mr. Carter has called for cooperation and friendship between the United States and Cuba and has asked Congress to lift the sanctions against the country. The White House has rejected this request. On Wednesday, a White House spokesperson stated that President Bush believes these sanctions are an important part of American foreign policy. The spokesperson added that trade with Cuba only strengthens a repressive regime. Today, the Granma newspaper, the organ of the Cuban Communist Party, published the full text of President Carter's speech from Tuesday night, including his criticisms of the one-party system.