Clinton extends Helms-Burton suspension

January 22, 1997
Issue 

Clinton extends Helms-Burton suspension

On January 3, US President Bill Clinton formally suspended implementation of the controversial Title III of the Cuban Liberty Act of 1996 — better known as "Helms-Burton" — for another six months. Title III empowers US citizens to sue foreign nationals and corporations in US courts for "trafficking" in properties which Cuba nationalised after the 1959 revolution.

Clinton had been expected to renew the suspension as a reward to the European Union, which passed a resolution on December 2 warning that Europe's trade relations with Cuba would depend on "improvements in human rights and political freedom" in Cuba. Commerce under secretary Stuart Eizenstat, Clinton's special envoy to win support for Helms-Burton among US allies, said on January 3 that so far the act had succeeded in causing at least 12 foreign firms to withdraw their investments in Cuba.

Meanwhile, the Clinton administration is vigorously enforcing other provisions of the law, especially the section denying visas to executives of foreign companies trading with Cuba.

On December 25, Cuba's National Assembly passed an "antidote law" against Helms-Burton, declaring invalid any claim made under Helms-Burton, barring from any future US-Cuba property settlements anyone who filed a claim under Helms-Burton and giving Cubans the right to demand compensation for damages caused by US policies.
[From Weekly News Update on the Americas, 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY, 10012, USA; email nicanet@blythe.org.]

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.