U.S. Lawmakers Meet Cuban Foreign Minister In Havana

[babylonsister]

U.S. Lawmakers Meet Cuban Foreign Minister In Havana

By Esteban Israel

HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers met with Cuba's foreign minister and laid flowers at a Havana memorial to slain U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Saturday during a visit aimed at improving relations between Washington and the communist-ruled island.

"The entire world is very optimistic about a shift in direction in terms of U.S. foreign policy throughout the world," U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, who headed a seven-member congressional delegation, told reporters in the Cuban capital.

"Personally I believe and many believe it's time to talk to Cuba," said Lee, who added that the delegation was in Cuba to find out what issues should be discussed between the two countries.

She did not disclose what they talked about with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, but said, "the discussions have been very well received."

"We've had open, honest dialogue and we look forward to continuing discussions up until we depart on Wednesday," she told reporters in a small park with a black stone memorial to King.

The delegation placed flowers at the memorial's base to mark the 41st anniversary of King's assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.

The delegation is the first from the United States since President Barack Obama took office in January. Congress is preparing to consider bills lifting most restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba.

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http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/04/us_lawmakers_meet_cuban_foreign_minister_in_havana.php

[zeemike]

1. Progress is being made.

And it is long overdue.

[ensho]

2. great news, love that Barbara Lee

nt