U.S. Exporters to Cuba Say Cash Blocked (Banks say by US Gov't)

WASHINGTON - Some companies that sell food and agricultural products to Cuba are reporting that payments are not being credited to their bank accounts in the United States, according to a representative of a group that tracks business between the two countries.



John Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council Inc., said Tuesday that fewer than half a dozen companies have contacted his organization recently about such problems.


He said banks have confirmed receipt of payments from Cuba but have not credited the accounts of exporters on instructions from the U.S. government.


A spokeswoman for the Treasury Department (news - web sites) said its Office of Foreign Assets Control, which enforces the economic embargo against Cuba, is looking into the matter. OFAC, she said, has been asked to clarify the government's policy regarding payments. She wouldn't say who requested the clarification.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&ncid=693&e=7&u=/ap/20041124/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_cuba

code for banking. Or we're going to be told it falls under the wording of paragraph 165 on page 101 of the Patriot Act. (I'm making up the numbers, just in case someone doesn't feel my sarcasm.)

All things American = good

All things Cuban = bad

See how easy it is.


:puke:

They'd better get busy on this. _Bush shouldn't be able to interfere in this legitimate level of business between U.S. food producers and Cuba. From the article:

Right now this is a technical issue, but it could become massively political," said Kavulich.

Not everything should be controlled by the little Fuhrer and his right-wing extremists.


Otto Reich

Argentina seeks sports assistance from Cuba

www.chinaview.cn 2004-11-25 09:13:31


HAVANA, Nov. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Argentina's Secretary of Sports Claudio Morresi is here as part of a visit in search of Cuban assistance around different sports facilities, local press said Wednesday.

Morresi arrived Tuesday in Havana for a five-day visit, that will include a visit to the Anti-Doping Laboratory of this capital and the Cerro Pelado School for the Formation of High-Performance Athletes.

A former player of River Plate, the Argentine minister also will meet with Alberto Puig, General Manager of Cubadeportes, S.A.

Morresi's main task is "reaching an agreement with the Cuban sports authorities, allowing us to develop our sports," he told the local press.
As well, he indicated that "we know Cuba has excellent professionals and we are interested to receive assistance on boxing, gymnastics, and a methodologist for all disciplines," and guaranteed that in exchange, Argentina could help Cuba in soccer or other specialities.
(snip/...)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-11/25/content_2258727.htm