New easing of US sanctions against Cuba

The United States announced Tuesday new cuts in their trade sanctions against Cuba facilitating exports and business trips within the historic rapprochement between the two countries.

According to a statement of the Treasury, the new measures affecting the finance sector, export and re-export of agricultural and telecommunications equipment and allow certain professionals including travel. They take effect Wednesday.

With these measures "the United States show their commitment to the economic development of the Cuban people," said Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.

"Trade measures announced today build on earlier authorizations for new exports to particular areas of disaster preparedness, education, agricultural production, (...) and food processing public transport, "said Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.

More financial transactions are authorized in connection with trade and travel in these areas.

In the cultural field, traveling will be easier for the production of films and music. Payment of copyright Cuban artists will be allowed.

The Obama administration has begun a year ago to ease sanctions with Cuba but the embargo imposed in 1962 in the heart of the Cold War is still in force, particularly in tourist travel.

The total lifting of the embargo is a prerogative of Congress.

President Barack Obama has made clear he wanted to visit Cuba before the end of his term in January 2017, but stressed that this historic trip would be possible only if real progress were recorded on site in terms of individual freedoms.

In his speech on the State of the Union two weeks ago, US President has again called on Congress to lift the US economic embargo against Cuba.

"Fifty years in isolate Cuba have failed to promote democracy and have us back in Latin America. You want to strengthen our leadership and credibility on the continent? Admit that the Cold War is over. Lift the embargo" , said Mr Obama.

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