The blockade has been tightened rather than loosened CARLOS Lage, vice president of the Council of State, denied that there has been an alleged relaxation of the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba and reiterated that his country "does not negotiate its dignity with anyone," according to Prensa Latina. "We reject the U.S. measure, because what has really happened is that the U.S. policy on Cuba has hardened once again," Lage noted on October 29, speaking to the accredited press at the 18th Havana Trade Fair. Recently, a group of U.S. legislators set in motion various initiatives that would presumably relax the policy of commercial isolation practiced by Washington against the island for 40 years, through partial sales of food and medicine. However, the Cuban-American extreme right in Miami and ultra-conservative Republicans introduced amendments to the bill which made these potential sales impracticable. Lage categorically stated that the conditions presented are completely unworkable. There is no transportation between the two countries nor bank connections, permission has to be asked on a case-by-case basis, there is a total absence of financial support, and, at the end of the day, "it is impossible to trade in that way with anyone, it's one-way trade," he observed. "This country will not trade with the United States or any other country under conditions signifying damage to our national dignity and to our people," the vice president emphasized. Lage pointed out that even Clinton had complained that the new legislation's block on financing makes it "virtually impossible" for small farmers in the United States to sell produce to Cuba, the Notimex news agency reported. Signing the legislation on Saturday, October 28, the U.S. president also criticized a clause which writes into law the restrictions on travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens. "Imagine what kind of a measure it must be if even the president doesn't agree with it and then signs it," Lage commented. . NEWS . INTERNATIONAL . SPORT . CULTURAL . This WEEK . FROM OUR MAILBAG . OUR AMERICA . ARTS IN THE WORLD . MORE INFORMATION ON THE SOUTH SUMMIT Javier Sotomayor | Documentos | Revistas | Correo-E | Ingl�s | Franc�s | Portugu�s | Alem�n � Copyright. 1996-2000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GRANMA INTERNATIONAL/ ONLINE EDITION
