Minn. House urges Congress to normalize relations with Cuba...
Apr 17 2008 12:22PM
Associated Press
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ST. PAUL (AP) The Minnesota House has turned to talk of pineapples and
cigars instead of state regulations and the budget deficit.
House members have approved a resolution urging Congress to normalize
relations with Cuba.
The debate featured pictures and recollections of Cuban trade missions
and a greeting from former Minnesota Twins star Tony Oliva, who is from
the Caribbean island. Cuba has been under a U.S.
embargo since the 1960s.
Representative Al Juhnke (JUNK'-ee) says the lifting of trade and travel
restrictions could bring Cuban pineapples and coconuts to Minnesota and
open a new market for Soybeans, Corn and even Spam.
Dissent came from Representative Joe Hoppe (HAHP'-pee), who says the
focus should be on free trade with Colombia, not Cuba.
The resolution passed 86-9. Representatives aren't required to vote on
resolutions, and a few dozen declined to do so.
http://www.kxmb.com/News/229708.asp
