Former Florida Senator Bob Graham in Cuba for environmental talks
Former Florida Senator Bob Graham in Cuba for environmental talks
By Marc Frank
HAVANA Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:46pm EST
(Reuters) - A former democratic senator and governor from Florida, Bob Graham, visited Cuba this week to discuss oil spill prevention and preparedness during a trip that has caused a stir among exiles and Cuba watchers due to his traditional support for tough sanctions against the Communist-ruled Caribbean island.
Cuba and its partners drilled three exploratory wells off Cuba's northern coast in recent years that came up dry, but more such wells are expected in the future in search of billions of barrels of oil thought to be below its Gulf of Mexico waters.
Graham's first ever visit to Cuba follows President Barack Obama's recent call, while visiting Miami, for "modernizing" relations with Cuba, as well as his famous handshake with Cuban President Raul Castro while attending Nelson Mandela's memorial service in South Africa last month.
The strained relationship between the long-time foes has eased since Obama began his second term in office. Recently, State Department and Cuban officials told Reuters that contacts have been pragmatic and cordial, without the traditional rhetoric from both sides.
More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/16/us-cuba-usa-idUSBREA0F1SN20140116?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&rpc=401
