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U.S. threatens to deny visas to more firms with Cuba ties
July 13, 1996
Web posted at: 8:50 p.m. EDT
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. officials expect to send out more letters to executives of international companies with holdings in Cuba, warning them that they will be denied U.S. visas if they own property seized from Americans by the Cuban government, according to government sources.
On July 10, the State Department sent letters to nine executives of the Canadian company Sheritt, advising them that they, their spouses and children will not be allowed to enter the United States.
Sources told CNN that similar letters will be sent in the next two weeks to executives from Grupo Domos, a Mexican phone company, and Stet, an Italian telecommunications firm.
These executives previously were sent "warning" letters advising them to sell property believed to be owned by Americans and seized by Fidel Castro's government after he took power in 1959. The businesses were given 45 days to divest or face visa denials for their top executives.
The State Department will target three more companies -- French Distiller Pernod-Ricard, the Spanish hotel chain Sol Melia and the Israeli agribusiness company BM.
The restrictions are part of the Helms Burton Law, which tightens the economic embargo on Cuba.
President Clinton must decide by Tuesday on another section of the law -- one that would allow lawsuits against companies deemed to be using or "trafficking" in confiscated property owned by Americans.
This also would include lawsuits by Cuban Americans, some of whom were not U.S. citizens at the time their property was seized.
Related stories:
- Clinton signs bill aimed at Cuba - March 12, 1996
- House passes Cuba sanctions bill - March 6, 1996
- Cuba sanctions bill passes Senate - March 5, 1996
- Clinton agrees to fresh sanctions on Cuba - February 28, 1996
- Clinton issues sanctions against Cuba - February 26, 1996
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