An influential Cuban American advocacy organization is advising President Joe Biden to reengage with Cuba — but avoid the shortcomings of a similar approach under the Obama administration, the Miami Herald reported.
The news outlet, which obtained a copy of the document ahead of its pubic release, Tuesday reported the document encourages the Biden administration to abandon the “centerpiece policy of regime change” and instead use an incremental approach — suggesting the first step would be to lift Trump-era restrictions on remittances and travel.
Cuba Study Group head Ricardo Herrero said “in our research, we found that the social-economic ties between the United States and Cuba, while extensive, remain shallow, informal and exceedingly vulnerable to codified sanctions and unpredictable political cycles.”
The group suggested quick steps could include increasing support to the Cuban private sector, engaging in bilateral talks about issue like the resolution of property claims, and implementing “confidence-building” measures, including a review of Cuba’s redesignation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
But tougher issues — like Cuba’s demand to eliminate a trade embargo — will depend on congressional action and require the Cuban government “advance meaningful economic liberalization and guarantee greater rights for Cubans both at home and abroad,” the document says.
The policy recommendations also acknowledge “the road to resilient relations runs through, not around, Miami,” encouraging that the administration build support there, the Herald reported.
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