Jamaica Observer
Friday, October 24, 2003
JAMAICA last night gave a cautious welcome to the vote by the US Senate that would lift travel restrictions to Cuba.
... "This is not a done deal, because the US president can still veto this bill," said Professor Brian Meeks, who heads the Department of International Relations at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. "However, if he does this he will be risking his own future as president. He will be running against Congress and the majority of American citizens."
... Jamaica, which like its partners in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), has consistently urged the Americans to normalise relations with Cuba, saw yesterday's development as a positive step forward.
... According to Rapley, when making his veto decision, Bush will likely factor in which of the current crop of Democratic Party presidential contenders was likely to get the nomination, and where that person stood on the issue.
... "It is a critical moment when a Republican Senate and House can vote in pure majority against such a major policy position taken by Bush," Meeks said.
More...
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20031024T000000-0500_50673_OBS_JAMAICA_GIVES_CAUTIOUS_WELCOME_TO_US_CUBA_VOTE.asp