• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 03 / 26 / 2011

---

WASHINGTON — Just back in Memphis after a five-day fact-finding trip to Cuba, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen said he was surprised at the lack of interference with the practice of religion and impressed with the slow but evident moves toward economic privatization on the island nation.

The trip with two other members of Congress during a recess was paid for by the Center for Democracy, a non-partisan, non-profit devoted to promoting democracy.

The Memphis Democrat said he met with the Cardinal Archbishop of Havana, Jaime Ortega, and was given assurance that the 75 parishes there are free of restrictions.

He also met the president of the Cuban National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcon. In discussions with the Cuban foreign minister, it was made clear that the era of Fidel Castro is over and that his brother, Raul, is now fully in charge.

“Raul understands the changes that have to be made,” Cohen said. “They’re trying to make the economy less socialistic … and more free-market.” He said some attitudes from the Cold War are still evident.

Cohen said the last two of 75 political prisoners were released during the congressional visit.

The members inquired about American Alan Gross, imprisoned since December 2009 for distributing communications equipment to Jewish communities in Havana. Cohen said he expected something to happen once Gross’s appeals are completed.

Source: www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/mar/25/us-rep-steve-cohen-cuba-appear...