Cuba sanctions bill passes Senate

Clinton calls it the proper response to shoot-down

March 5, 1996
Web posted at: 8:10 p.m. EST

From Correspondent Lucia Newman

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate approved a bill Tuesday that strengthens sanctions against Cuba, sending a clear message that the United States is ready to act on its stern disapproval of Cuba's downing of two U.S. civilian planes 10 days ago.

The Helms-Burton Bill, approved by an overwhelming 74-22 vote, calls for the discouragement of international investment in Cuba and urges President Clinton to seek an international embargo against Havana. The House is set to vote on the measure Wednesday. If passed there, President Clinton would sign the bill into law by the end of the week.

Clinton said Tuesday that the shooting down of the planes and the loss of four lives demanded a strong response, and that the bill reflects that.

Opponents of the measure say it is being rushed through Congress in the heat of the moment.

Cuba says sanctions could backfire

Those who do business with Cuba, like Canadian cigar importer-exporter Stephen Fleming, are furious with the legislation, which they see as intrusive.

"If they want to stop Americans from doing business with Cubans in whatever way or fashion, fine. But keep it within their own country. The United States does not govern Canada," Fleming said.

Maybe not, but according to U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms the so-called "Farewell Fidel Act" would drive the final nail in Castro's coffin by punishing overseas companies and executives who do business with Cuba.

One example of how the legislation could be applied: It would permit Cuban-Americans to sue the Spanish and Venezuelan companies that run Suchel, a joint-venture cosmetics firm that was run by Avon before the revolution. Executives and their families would also be denied entry into the United States.

But Cuba says that it's not worried. "The main victim of this law will be the United States itself. Because it will have to face the opposition of the rest of the world, or its closest allies," said Paul Taladrid, Cuba's deputy minister for foreign investment.

While recognizing the law would discourage some investment, Havana is confident most nations will resist what is considered by many countries a violation of international law.

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