LOL - Hialeah City Council: Don't alter Cuba embargo

[Mika]

Hialeah: Don't alter Cuba embargo
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/northwest/story/1026823.html
Hialeah officials approved a measure urging the Obama administration to refrain
from altering the trade embargo until the Cuban government agrees to make changes.

The Hialeah City Council unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that lightly scolds the Congressional Black Caucus for failing to focus on Cuba's history of human rights abuses during a recent visit to Cuba by some of the group's members.

The resolution also urges President Barack Obama's administration to refrain from altering the trade embargo until the Cuban government releases political prisoners, ``shows greater respect for freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly and holds free and fair elections.''

Members of the Black Caucus met with Raúl and Fidel Castro in early April.

''I wanted to bring to their attention the issues they failed to look at when they met with Raúl Castro,'' said Council President Carlos Hernandez, who sponsored the resolution. ``As Cuban Americans, I think it is our responsibility to help others understand the issues affecting Cuba. It is our responsibility to tell the world.''

Also Tuesday, the council unanimously voted to revoke the licenses of El Niagara Cafe after police testified the business had been operating as a front for drug sales. Among the licenses revoked: restaurant, alcohol sales, food for takeout and delivery and adult machines.

According to city officials, the restaurant at 4229 E. Fourth Ave. was not selling food, but illegally operating as a bar or lounge with scantily dressed barmaids selling narcotics. ''We will not tolerate that. We will not accept that,'' said Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina.

``This sends a message that we will continue to be very aggressive to enforce our laws and the laws of this country.''

Hialeah police initially received a complaint in December that there were numerous provocatively dressed barmaids who approached patrons at tables and solicited drinks. No meals were served.

So they initiated an undercover investigation that lasted two months. During that time, they purchased cocaine on 15 separate occasions and witnessed women fondled with at least one taking off her top.

On March 20, they raided the establishment, making three arrests, police said Additional details were not immediately available.