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• Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [August 5, 2003]

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  "A South American nation with a population of about 15 million, Chile returned to democratic rule in 1990 after 17 years of military government. The current administration of President Ricardo Lagos, inaugurated in March 2000 to a six-year term, is Chile's third elected government since the return to civilian rule. Chile has weathered the transition to democracy well, although civil-military relations have been tense at times. The October 1998 arrest of former military ruler General Augusto Pinochet in London on human rights violations exacerbated political schisms in Chile, but in the end, Chilean democracy appears to have emerged stronger with the civilian government more firmly in charge of the military. Chile is generally recognized as a model for the successful implementation of market-oriented economic reform measures, and there has been political consensus in the country on maintaining a liberal market economy and prudent fiscal and monetary policies. The Lagos government has continued the country's export-oriented economic strategy. The economy registered positive growth rates from the mid-1980s through 1998 but contracted in 1999 because of the Asian economic crisis. In 2000, the economy rebounded, but economic growth slowed in 2001 and in 2002 because of the global and regional economic slowdown. Economic growth is forecast to increase by 3.5% in 2003 and 4.5% in 2004, fueled by improvement in consumer and investor confidence and Chile's trade liberalization efforts. U.S. relations with Chile, which improved considerably with the nation's return to democracy in 1990, are close, characterized by strong commercial ties and extensive consultation between the two governments on bilateral and other issues of mutual concern."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-08-05
• Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated July 18, 2003]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-07-18
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated July 2, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section. The Latin American and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in political development, with all countries but Cuba led by democratically-elected heads of state. But several nations face considerable challenges that threaten political stability, including economic decline and rising poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, drug trafficking, and increasing crime. Bush Administration officials maintain that U.S. policy toward Latin America has three overarching goals: strengthening security; promoting democracy and good governance; and stimulating economic development. Some observers argue that the Administration has not been paying enough attention to the region and to instability in several countries. They maintain that the United States, faced with other pressing foreign policy problems like the war in Iraq and the global anti-terrorist campaign, has fallen back to a policy of benign neglect of the region. In contrast, others maintain that the United States has an active policy toward Latin America and point to the considerable assistance and support provided to Colombia and its neighbors as they combat drug trafficking and terrorist groups. They also point to the momentum toward free trade in the region through negotiation of free trade agreements, and to increased bilateral and regional cooperation on security issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Veillette, Connie; Taft-Morales, Maureen; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2003-07-02
• Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated June 3, 2003]

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  "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights that has deteriorated significantly in 2003. Fidel Castro has ruled since he ousted the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains comprehensive sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. Since late 2001, U.S. companies have sold agricultural products to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-06-03
• Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated May 22, 2003]

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  "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights that has deteriorated significantly in 2003. Fidel Castro has ruled since he ousted the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains comprehensive sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. Since late 2001, U.S. companies have sold agricultural products to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-05-22
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated May 5, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section. The Latin American and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in political development, with all countries but Cuba led by democratically-elected heads of state. But several nations face considerable challenges that threaten political stability, including economic decline and rising poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, drug trafficking, and increasing crime. Bush Administration officials maintain that U.S. policy toward Latin America has three overarching goals: strengthening security; promoting democracy and good governance; and stimulating economic development. Some observers argue that the Administration has not been paying enough attention to the region and to instability in such countries as Argentina and Venezuela. They maintain that the United States, faced with other pressing foreign policy problems like the war in Iraq and the global anti-terrorist campaign, has fallen back to a policy of benign neglect of the region. In contrast, others maintain that the United States has an active policy toward Latin America and point to the considerable assistance and support provided to Colombia and its neighbors as they combat drug trafficking and terrorist groups. They also point to the momentum toward free trade in the region through negotiation of free trade agreements, and to increased bilateral and regional cooperation on security issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Serafino, Nina M. . . .

  2003-05-05
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Legislative Initiatives [Updated April 22, 2003]

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  Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Major arguments made for lifting the Cuba travel ban are it hinders efforts to influence conditions in Cuba and may be aiding Castro by helping restrict the flow of information; it abridges the rights of ordinary Americans; and Americans can travel to other countries with communist or authoritarian governments. Major arguments in opposition to lifting the Cuba travel ban are American tourist travel would support Castro's rule by providing his government with millions of dollars in tourist receipts; there are legal provisions allowing travel to Cuba for humanitarian purposes that are used by thousands of Americans each year; and the President holds jurisdiction to restrict travel for foreign policy reasons.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-04-22
• Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated April 16, 2003]

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  "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights that has deteriorated significantly in 2003. Fidel Castro has ruled since he ousted the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains comprehensive sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. In the aftermath of Cuba's crackdown against democracy activists and independent journalists in March 2003, some observers expect that the Bush Administration will adopt a harder line toward Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-04-16
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated February 28, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section. [...] Congressional attention to Latin America in the 108th Congress will likely focus on counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts in the Andean region, trade issues, and potential threats to democracy and stability. U.S. counter-narcotics efforts will focus on continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative supporting Colombia and its neighbors in their struggle against drug trafficking and drug-financed terrorist groups. With regard to trade, now that negotiations with Chile for a bilateral free trade agreement are completed, Congress will likely consider implementing legislation for the agreement under fast track procedures. Congressional oversight also may focus on negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement, scheduled for completion in January 2005, and on negotiations for a free trade agreement with Central America. Congress may also pay increased attention to economic, social, and political tensions in South America that could threaten democratic order, particularly in Venezuela and Argentina. In the Caribbean, Congress will likely continue to debate the appropriate U.S. policy approach to Cuba, the region's only holdout to democracy, as it has for the past several years, while Haiti's persistent poverty and political instability may also remain a congressional concern. Finally, Congress will likely maintain an active interest in neighboring Mexico, with a myriad of trade, migration, border and drug trafficking issues dominating U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2003-02-28
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Legislative Initiatives [Updated February 24, 2003]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Over time, there have been numerous changes to the restrictions, and for 5 years, from 1977 until 1982, there were no restrictions on travel to Cuba. This report surveys changes to the travel restrictions dating back to the 1960s, summarizes major arguments for and against lifting such restrictions, and tracks legislative initiatives to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba. Major arguments made for lifting the Cuba travel ban are it hinders efforts to influence conditions in Cuba and may be aiding Castro by helping restrict the flow of information; it abridges the rights of ordinary Americans; and Americans can travel to other countries with communist or authoritarian governments. Major arguments in opposition to lifting the Cuba travel ban are American tourist travel would support Castro's rule by providing his government with millions of dollars in tourist receipts; there are legal provisions allowing travel to Cuba for humanitarian purposes that are used by thousands of Americans each year; and the President should be free to restrict travel for foreign policy reasons."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-02-24
• Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated February 24, 2003]

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  "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights. Fidel Castro has ruled since he ousted the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains comprehensive sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2003-02-24
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [January 30, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section [...]Congressional attention to Latin America in the 108th Congress will likely focus on counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts in the Andean region, trade issues, and potential threats to democracy and stability. U.S. counter-narcotics efforts will focus on continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative supporting Colombia and its neighbors in their struggle against drug trafficking and drug-financed terrorist groups. With regard to trade, now that negotiations with Chile for a bilateral free trade agreement are completed, Congress will likely consider implementing legislation for the agreement under fast track procedures. Congressional oversight also may focus on negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement, scheduled for completion in January 2005, and on negotiations for a free trade agreement with Central America. Congress may also pay increased attention to economic, social, and political tensions in South America that could threaten democratic order, particularly in Venezuela and Argentina. In the Caribbean, Congress will likely continue to debate the appropriate U.S. policy approach to Cuba, the region's only holdout to democracy, as it has for the past several years, while Haiti's persistent poverty and political instability may also remain a congressional concern. Finally, Congress will likely maintain an active interest in neighboring Mexico, with a myriad of trade, migration, border and drug trafficking issues dominating U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2003-01-30
• Cuba: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated January 6, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights. Fidel Castro has ruled since he led the Cuban Revolution, ousting the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The Bush Administration has essentially continued this policy. The principal tool of policy remains comprehensive sanctions, which were made stronger with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996, often referred to as the Helms/Burton legislation. […] Many of these will likely be introduced in the 108th Congress. In the second session of the 107th Congress, the House version of the FY2003 Treasury Department appropriations bill, H.R. 5120, included three Cuba provisions that would have eased restrictions on travel, remittances, and U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba; the Senate version of the bill, S. 2740, as reported out of committee, would have eased restrictions on travel to Cuba. Final action on the measure was not completed before the end of the 107th Congress; the 108th Congress will face early action on these and other appropriations measures with Cuba provisions. This report will not be updated. It reflects legislative action through the end of the 107th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2003-01-06
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated December 6, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-12-06
• Cuba: Issues for Congress [Updated November 29, 2002]

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  "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights. Fidel Castro has ruled since he led the Cuban Revolution, ousting the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989-1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. […] Legislative initiatives introduced in the 107th Congress reflect these divergent views on the direction of U.S. policy toward Cuba and also cover a range of issues including human rights, food and medical exports, travel restrictions, drug interdiction cooperation, and broadcasting to Cuba. In the second session, the Senate version of the 'Farm Bill,' H.R. 2646, included a provision that would strike language from U.S. law that prohibits private financing of agricultural sales to Cuba; the House version had no such provision, and ultimately the provision was not included in the conference report. The House version of the FY2003 Treasury Department appropriations bill, H.R. 5120, included three Cuba provisions that would prohibit funds from being used to enforce regulations on travel, remittances, and U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba; the Senate version of the bill, S. 2740, as reported out of committee, would prohibit funds from being used to enforce Cuba travel regulations. Final action on FY2003 Treasury Department appropriations was not completed before the end of the 107th Congress. This report will be updated regularly to track legislative initiatives and developments in U.S. relations with Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2002-11-29
• Cuba: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated August 30, 2002]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2002-08-30
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated June 12, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-06-12
• Cuba: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated June 12, 2002]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2002-06-12
• Cuba: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated May 24, 2002]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2002-05-24
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated April 18, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-04-18
• Cuba: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated March 22, 2002]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2002-03-22
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated March 6, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues facing Congress in 2001 and 2002 relating to the Latin American and Caribbean region, and provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The report is organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-03-06
• Cuba: Issues for Congress [Updated February 1, 2002]

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  "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights. Fidel Castro has ruled since he led the Cuban Revolution, ousting the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989-1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. […] Legislative initiatives introduced in the 107th Congress reflect these divergent views on the direction of U.S. policy toward Cuba and also cover a range of issues including human rights, food and medical exports, travel restrictions, drug interdiction cooperation, and broadcasting to Cuba. On July 25, 2001, in action on the Treasury Department Appropriations for FY2002 (H.R. 2590), the House approved an amendment that would prohibit the Treasury Department from using funds to enforce restrictions on travel to Cuba. Ultimately, the Cuba travel provision was not included in the conference report to the bill. The Senate version of the 'Farm Bill,' S. 1731 (Harkin), would strike language from U.S. law that prohibits private financing of agricultural sales to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2002-02-01
• Argentina's Political Upheaval [Updated January 25, 2002]

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  From the Document: "Argentina's democratic political system has been under considerable stress since social protests over the country's rapidly deteriorating economy led to the resignation of President Fernando de la Rua on December 20, 2001. After a series of short-lived interim presidents, Peronist Senator Eduardo Duhalde was sworn in to serve out the remainder of de la Rua's term of office until December 2003. President Duhalde faces critical political and economic challenges, most significantly his ability to quell social unrest associated with the country's financial instability. The dilemma for Duhalde is that the economic measures to revive the economy likely will exacerbate social and political tensions. President Bush has said that the United States is prepared to help Argentina through the international financial institutions, but only when Argentina has committed to a sound and sustainable economic plan. This report, which will be updated as events warrant, examines the Argentina's political upheaval, the outlook for the Duhalde government, and implications for the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2002-01-25
• Cuba: Issues for Congress [Updated December 11, 2001]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba. Legislative initiatives introduced in the 107th Congress reflect these divergent views on the direction of U.S. policy toward Cuba and also cover a range of issues including human rights, food and medical exports, travel restrictions, drug interdiction cooperation, and broadcasting to Cuba. On July 25, 2001, in action on the Treasury Department Appropriations for FY2002 (H.R. 2590), the House approved an amendment that would prohibit the Treasury Department from using funds to enforce restrictions on travel to Cuba. Ultimately, the Cuba travel provision was not included in the conference report to the bill. The Senate version of the 'Farm Bill,' S. 1731 (Harkin), would strike language from U.S. law that prohibits private financing of agricultural sales to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Taft-Morales, Maureen; Sullivan, Mark P.

  2001-12-11
• Cuba: Issues for Congress [Updated November 20, 2001]

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  "There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba. Legislative initiatives introduced in the 107th Congress reflect these divergent views on the direction of U.S. policy toward Cuba and also cover a range of issues including human rights, food and medical exports, travel restrictions, drug interdiction cooperation, and broadcasting to Cuba. On July 25, 2001, in action on the Treasury Department Appropriations for FY2002 (H.R. 2590), the House approved an amendment that would prohibit the Treasury Department from using funds to enforce restrictions on travel to Cuba. Ultimately, the Cuba travel provision was not included in the conference report to the bill."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2001-11-20
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [October 13, 2001]

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  From the Document: "Latin American nations strongly condemned the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington and took action through the Organization of American States and the Rio Treaty to strengthen hemispheric cooperation against terrorism and express solidarity with the United States. Many nations are taking actions to investigate possible regional linkages with the Osama bin Laden terrorist network, and to ensure that their financial sectors are not being used by terrorists. In the aftermath of the attacks, U.S. policy toward the region will likely include a re-invigorated security agenda, with the development of new-cooperative mechanisms against terrorism. The terrorist attacks will have implications in several areas, including the extent of hemispheric cooperation against terrorism, anti-money laundering efforts, Andean counter-narcotics strategy, the trade agenda, regional economic stability, and policy toward Mexico and Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2001-10-13
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001 [Updated October 10, 2001]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues facing Congress in 2001 relating to the Latin American and Caribbean region, and provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The report is organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Sullivan, Mark P. . . .

  2001-10-01
• U.S. Army School of the Americas: Background and Congressional Concerns [April 16, 2001]

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  "The School of the Americas was a U.S. Army training facility founded in 1946 largely for Spanish-speaking cadets and officers from Latin American nations. The School was located at Fort Benning, Georgia. Controversies developed in recent years concerning human rights abuses committed by School graduates, and there were several legislative attempts since 1993 to cut funding for the School. The School was charged by P.L. [Public Law] 100-180 (10 USC 4415) with the mission of developing and conducting instruction for the armed forces of Latin America. The law stipulated that the School would promote military professionalism, foster cooperation among the multinational military forces in Latin America, and expand Latin American armed forces' knowledge of U.S. customs and traditions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.; Sullivan, Mark P.

  2001-04-16
• Panama-U.S. Relations [Updated March 26, 2001]

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  From the Document: "The December 20, 1989, U.S. military intervention in Panama, known as Operation Just Cause, heralded a new period in U.S.-Panamanian relations. In the aftermath of the intervention, U.S. policymakers immediately faced a new range of challenges including assistance for economic recovery, support for the development of a civilian police force, cooperation with the new government on counter-narcotics measures, and support for fragile democratic institutions. Panama has made abundant progress in all these areas, although the country still faces challenges. U.S. policymakers maintain an active concern about these issues because of continued U.S. interests in Panama, particularly the Panama Canal, which continues to be important to the United States for its commercial value. The Panamanian President's popularity fell significantly during the first year of her administration but improved in the latter part of 2000. A December 2000 public opinion poll showed an overall approval rating of 62%. However, many analysts believe that it will be difficult for President Moscoso to sustain her popularity because of sluggish economic growth and the administration's recent increases in electricity and telecommunications rates. The rate increases, which occurred in January 2001, resulted in violent street protests in the capital and led to many arrests. The political difficulties the president is facing may make it unlikely for her to gain legislative approval of proposed tax and social security reform measures she is proposing in March 2001. These measures are part of an agreement with the IMF that had been earlier scheduled for 2000. Without these reforms, the government will have difficulty meeting its fiscal and debt reduction targets or its public investment goals."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Villarreal, M. Angeles

  2001-03-26