US-Cuba thaw: Congressional delegation arrives in Havana

[inanna]

Source: BBC

17 January 2015 Last updated at 20:02 ET

An American Congressional delegation has arrived in Havana in the first such visit since the United States and Cuba agreed to restore ties severed in 1961.

The Democrat politicians plan to meet Cuban officials and civilian leaders to discuss practical measures required for the normalisation of relations.

The thaw in relations was announced on 17 December by President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro.

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"We have all been to Cuba before, and we strongly support the president's new direction for our policy towards Cuba," said Senator Patrick Leahy.

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30868845

[NBachers]

1. So who are the Democrat politicians who comprise this Congressional delegation?

[inanna]

2. Leahy and Roberta Jacobson n/t

[NBachers]

3. Thanks

[Judi Lynn]

4. Dems head to Cuba to explore 'greater cooperation'

Dems head to Cuba to explore 'greater cooperation'
Jan. 16, 2015 9.26am Pete Kasperowicz

Several House and Senate Democrats will travel to Cuba this weekend in order to discuss ways to enhance the U.S.-Cuba relationship, just hours after the Obama administration formally eased some trade and travel rules.

Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) is heading the delegation — Leahy was the one who arranged for sperm from a Cuban spy that the U.S. was holding to be exported to Panama to impregnate the spy’s wife. That spy was later released in a controversial deal that allowed the return of one U.S. intelligence agent from Cuba, plus Alan Gross, who was held for five years in Cuba.

Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) will also be on the trip, as will Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

“We want to explore opportunities for greater cooperation,” Leahy said Friday.

“We have all been to Cuba before, and we strongly support the President’s new direction for our policy toward Cuba,” Leahy said. “We are going this time to discuss our expectations, and the Cubans’ expectations, for the normalization of relations.”

More:
http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2015/01/16/dems-head-to-cuba-to-explore-greater-cooperation/

[hack89]

5. Good. Time to put the Cold War behind us. Nt

[riverbendviewgal]

6. best beaches in the world

I been to many in the world

these pics are no lie. People are wonderful.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=santa+maria+cuba&es_sm=122&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=1wi8VJfBNM-2yATD4oHwAg&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1310&bih=629