• Submitted by: manso
• United States
• Politics and Government
• 08 / 27 / 2010

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Aug 26, 2010. For years the rest of the world has been able to take advantage of the pristine beaches, clear waters, and impressive architecture of Cuba, where there are also countless all-inclusive resorts. But the U.S. is still banning travel to the country.

However, talks have resurfaced as President Obama prepares to try and renegotiate travel rules to Cuba. Some say that it has also helped that Cuba has agreed to release a number of political prisoners by November, a promising move that the country is also ready to start reconciling.

"It certainly could indicate that the climate is more appropriate than it was before the prisoner release started," said Shasta Darlington, a CNN international correspondent based in Havana.

Not only travellers but businesses are also urging the government to get a move-on when it comes to lifting the trade embargoes.

"It is time to begin to lay the groundwork for a U.S. role in the future of Cuba," the Chamber of Commerce's chief lobbyist, Bruce Josten, said in a letter to leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (which was reported by Reuters).

The U.S. and Cuba have been entangled in disputes for decades. President Bill Clinton made attempts at rectifying the animosities during his two-term presidency in the late 1990s, trying to soften tight foreign policy with Cuba.

He removed the restrictions that had been placed on humanitarian charter flights, increased educational, religious, and humanitarian contacts in Cuba, and allowed Cuban citizens to receive more money from American people as well as goods. However, George W. Bush reinstated embargoes with Cuba during his presidency.

By Jennifer Cox

Source: www.craveonline.com/