Cubans welcome travel ease
Published:Tuesday | April 14, 2009 | 5:49 PM
Cuba has welcomed the decision by US President Barack Obama, to allow Cuban-Americans to make unlimited trips and money transfers to family members back home.
The US government made the announcement yesterday, in a major change of policy towards the island.
About $1.5 million Americans are said to have relatives in Cuba.
Other steps taken by the US government include expanding the list of items allowed in gift parcels sent to Cuba, such as clothes, personal hygiene items, seeds and fishing gear.
American telecommunications firms will also be allowed to do business in the country if they can get permission from the Cuban government.
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro has expressed concern that no mention was made by the US government of the current trade blockade against the island.
Mr. Castro also says Cuba does not support Summits of the Americas, where he claims nations do not debate on an equal footing.