Rice: Not wise to end Cuban economic embargo now

[Terri]

By MATTHEW LEE
Associated Press
September 8, 2008

RABAT, Morocco (AP) -- The Bush administration said Sunday it sees no wisdom now in ending an economic embargo against Cuba, a longtime demand the Havana government renewed as a way to speed aid after Hurricane Gustav swamped the island.

A U.S. offer to send a disaster assessment team was declined Saturday by the Cuban Foreign Ministry, which did not mention the $100,000 in humanitarian assistance that Washington also offered through nonprofit groups.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, wrapping up a trip to North Africa, told reporters that President Bush consistently has said the U.S. would be responsive "to a Cuban regime that is prepared to release political prisoners (and) has a process to get to free and fair elections." But, she added, "we can see nothing that suggests that has come about."

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[STEELMAN]

"to a Cuban regime that is prepared to release political prisoners (and) has a process to get to free and fair elections." But, she added, "we can see nothing that suggests that has come about."

That's right and we probably won't see it because Cuba is communist and anti-american in it's government.

[schillerbjr]

Rice is smart, more Americans should listen to her.

[candles]

A U.S. offer to send a disaster assessment team was declined Saturday by the Cuban Foreign Ministry,

I wonder if this will change now, because they just got hit again, this tine bt Ike.

[rangerrebew]

Shouldn't she have consulted with the POTUS apparent before making such a statement?