Call it diplomatic courtesy. Effective Sept. 2, members of the Cuban
Interests Section in Washington and their families can buy and sell
motor vehicles without restriction while they serve their tours of duty
in the United States. Why? Because the Cuban government has promised to
allow members of the Seal2 U.S. Interests Section in Havana and their
families to buy and sell motor vehicles without restriction while they
serve their tours of duty in Cuba. Tit for tat. According to the
Department of State's Public Notice 6339, the restrictions on Cuban
diplomats were imposed in August 2003 "because the Cuban Government for
some time had imposed restrictions and impediments to the importation,
purchase and resale of vehicles by the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba."
The impasse has been resolved and the restrictions have been lifted by
both sides. Not earth-shaking news, by any means, but an indication that
diplomacy can lead to improving lives and relations.
---Renato Pérez Pizarro.
September 03, 2008
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/cuban_colada/2008/09/in-tit-for-tat.html
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