(5 Jan 1999) Spanish/Nat
Tuesday's relaxation of U-S sanctions on Cuba will not only affect those who live on the communist island but those who fled it in the wake of the revolution.
The majority made it to Miami and now live in one zone in the south east that has been nicknamed Little Havana, after the capital city of Cuba.
These ex patriot Cubans are among the most outspoken critics of President Fidel Castro.
President Bill Clinton says he wants to reach out to the Cuban people -- without strengthening Cuba's Communist government.
The plan aims at making the entry of dollars into Cuba easier while remaining consistent with the U-S policy of maintaining pressure for democratic change on the island.
Some ex patriot who now live in Miami, Florida, say the steps disguise a bid to normalize relations with Fidel Castro, a move they strongly oppose.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"We can't verify that food is going to reach the people, nor have we international supervision, so before they change the distribution system, before they have supervision and verification, we shouldn't change the system. Castro hasn't changed a bit so why should we give him this award that he doesn't deserve."
SUPER CAPTION: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congresswoman
Exiles in Miami regularly gather at the Versailles Cafe in Little Havana, a south eastern district of the city.
They usually disapprove of any measure that could lead to the softening of the U-S embargo on Cuba.
But things are slowly changing, and opinions are divided over the latest developments in U-S Cuba relations.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I agree with anything that can benefit the people of Cuba and Cuba itself, which is in great need of aid."
SUPER CAPTION: Luis Perez, Cuban exile
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"They should say that the (money/food) is going to the (Cuban) government and the government will be distributing it, instead of talking about selling to private companies. That's a fairy tale, because private companies don't exist in Cuba, they do not exist."
SUPER CAPTION: Victor Palacios, Cuban exile
Clinton is also authorizing direct mail service to Cuba, more charter flights to the island and limited U-S food sales.
Moderate exile organisations think that these measures will contribute to speed up democratic changes in Cuba.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"In Cuba there are still many private farmers and private cooperatives and small businessmen with "paladares", or restaurants in their own houses, and although we are talking about a market economy that is just starting, it needs help and (the measures) will be a big incentive to make that small group of businessmen in Cuba grow."
SUPER CAPTION: Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo, from Cambio Cubano (moderate exile organisation
The U-S imposed the economic embargo in 1962 as a way of isolating the Castro government that took power in 1959.
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