NYT Calls for Cuba Policy Change

HAVANA TIMES —The New York Times, widely regarded the most influential US newspaper, asked President Barack Obama to reflect seriously on ending the half-century-plus embargo on Cuba calling it counterproductive to promote democratic change on the island, reported Cafe Fuerte.

In the strongest media challenge to the policy maintained by 11 US administrations in recent years, an editorial in the NYT calls for the full restoration of bilateral relations, removing Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism and the expansion of travel for Americans who want to visit the island.

The editorial appeared Saturday on the NYT’s online site and in today’s print edition in the Sunday Review section.

In addition, the editorial recommended supporting American companies interested in developing telecommunications in Cuba.

Lastly, the Times urged Obama to attend the Summit of the Americas in Panama in 2015 and take advantage of the presence of Cuba, for the first time in these forums to “trigger a historic achievement.”