Cuban negotiator says Obama’s new trade regulations aren’t enough

WASHINGTON - Cuba’s top negotiator with the United States called President Barack Obama’s latest set of regulatory changes on trade with Cuba a “positive step” toward lifting the American embargo and improving relations between the two countries, but said they do not go far enough.
The regulatory changes recognize Cuba as a partner and respect its sovereignty, but Josefina Vidal, who heads the U.S. Department at Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, said they don’t hide the fact that the United States seeks to change the economic, political and social systems of Cuba.
“Nor does it hide the intention of continuing to develop in our country interventionist programs that benefit the interests of the United States,” Vidal said.
Friday, the Obama administration announced regulatory changes meant to ease trade, travel and financial restrictions and make it harder for a new administration to reverse them. The changes include eliminating the $100 limit on the value of Cuban rum and cigars that American travelers can bring back from the island.