Daniel Akaka: “I rise to discuss American relations with Cuba. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Havana with Senators Baucus…”

“I rise to discuss American relations with Cuba. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Havana with Senators Baucus and Roberts. We spent ten hours with Fidel Castro, in what has been characterized by the press as a marathon meeting. But more importantly, we had meetings with dissidents and Catholic Church representatives. It was my first time in Cuba, and I went there with no pre-conceived notions although I did have the opportunity to be thoroughly briefed prior to our departure. I returned from Cuba convinced that lifting the trade embargo and restrictions on travel, especially for educational exchanges, are extremely important steps in an effort to foster economic and political liberalization in Cuba. They are important steps but not for the reasons which are generally assumed. As one Cuban told us, ending the American economic embargo on Cuba will not produce economic change. The Castro government has no interest in economic reform--even along the lines of that now seen in China or Vietnam. As the Minister of Economics and Planning explained, there is no program for privatization in the economy, insisting that capitalism does not work but 'pure socialism' does. The government allows some private investments, mainly in farming, but the intent of the State is still to control the economy.”