• Submitted by: admin
• Europe
• International
• Politics and Government
• 01 / 05 / 2007

An Oslo hotel owned by the U.S.-based Hilton Hotel Corp. faced protests, a boycott and a police complaint this week after refusing to book rooms for a Cuban delegation because of the United States' trade embargo against Cuba.

However, the 140-hotel Scandic company was bought by Hilton in March, and the Cubans were informed in December that they would have to find another hotel due to the American boycott.

"We are already looking for other hotels for planned conferences," said the union's deputy leader Anne Grethe Skaardal. "For us, it is unacceptable for the U.S. to dictate to the whole world. In addition, we strongly oppose the U.S. boycott of Cuba."

Christina Karlegran, regional spokeswoman for Hilton and Scandic, said Hilton is an American company and is bound by the Cuba embargo.

The Foreign Ministry said companies operating in Norway have to obey Norwegian law, regardless of their home base. It said other agencies would have to determine what laws apply in this case.

The state Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud said it would demand an explanation from Scandic and then decide whether to open a case against the company.

The trade embargo against Cuba began in 1963, and largely prohibits U.S. citizens and U.S. companies from doing business with the island nation.

Source: Otawwa Recorder