Kerry lifts hold on cash promoting Cuba democracy
- Submitted by: manso
- Politics and Government
- 07 / 28 / 2011
The Associated Press. WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. senator says the Obama administration has agreed to review its democracy promotion programs in communist Cuba.
Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts had been blocking $20 million in funding for the programs. Frederick Jones is Kerry's spokesman; he says Kerry has lifted his hold on Wednesday. But the funds still face a hold from fellow Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.
Jones has said the State Department and USAID have agreed to report results of their review to lawmakers.
Kerry has said he was seeking to ensure the effectiveness of the program to promote human rights and basic freedoms. Established in 1996, the Cuba Program has been beset with reports that some grantees misused funds and the government provided little oversight.
Source: /www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/kerry-lifts-hold-on-1052576.html
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