Retain Cuba Sanctions, Powell Urges
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WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said Wednesday that U.S. sanctions against Cuba should remain in place because Cuban President Fidel Castro cannot be trusted to use a cooperative relationship to benefit his people.
“He is an anachronism in the 21st century,” Powell said, referring to Castro in testimony before the Senate Budget Committee.
“We should continue to show our displeasure to the nature of that regime.”
Powell said some U.S. friends made investments in the Cuban government that “ultimately did not pay off and served to enhance the power of the regime.” He did not identify the parties.
Powell did endorse programs that directly benefit Cuban residents, including people-to-people financial transfers. Such transfers have been legal for years.
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