CHANGE IN DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY REGULATIONS RELATING TO CUBAN AMERICAN TRAVEL A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Camila Ruiz-Gallardo

305-592-7768

CHANGE IN DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY REGULATIONS RELATING TO CUBAN AMERICAN TRAVEL

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Late yesterday, and in accordance to measures passed in the omnibus spending bill, the Department of Treasury modified regulations pertaining to family travel to Cuba. The new measures overturn the Bush Administrations 2004 policy which restricted visits by nuclear family members to Cuba to once only every three years, measures which the Cuban American National Foundation has firmly opposed since their implementation.

We believe President Obama is committed to reviving and refocusing Cuba policy in a way that benefits the advent of democracy on-island, and because of this have argued that the Congress should allow the new Administration ample time to conduct a comprehensive review of our policy and act within the purview of the Executive Office. Nevertheless, we believe the Department of Treasury's quick action on modifying the regulation marks an important first step in a reversal of the 2004 policies and the Administration's commitment to the issue.

It is our firm belief that the 2004 restrictions not only hindered our ability to provide humanitarian aid and support to nuclear and extended family alike, but also had the unintended effect of hampering our ability to support the families of political prisoners, Cuba's brave dissidents, and independent civil society members.

"President Obama expressed his support for a lifting of these restrictions as a step in moving Cuba policy forward in an effective and responsible way when we had the honor of hosting him at our annual luncheon event last May. In that spirit, we anticipate the President will continue to move U.S.-Cuba policy in a direction that truly supports the Cuban people in their struggle for democracy," stated Jorge Mas Santos, Chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation.

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