From the Los Angeles Times:
The case of the Cuban Five (or the “Five Heros,” as Cuban officials call them) is one of the main stumbling blocks for the continued warming of U.S.-Cuba relations. If the Supreme Court had agreed to take the case, those in the administration sounding out Cuban officials about boosting trade and easing travel restrictions could have staved off Havana’s insistent demands for the men’s release by pointing to the pending high-court review, claiming reluctance to interfere with the judicial workings. More here.
From Cuba’s Radio Nuevitas:
The Regional Seminar of Latin American and Caribbean Mutual Legal Assistance on Treaties for International Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (or, “Regional Seminar on Drug Fighting”) began in Havana today. The city was chosen for the meeting, according to one United Nations legal advisor, because its policy to fight international drug trafficking is effective. More here.
Also from the LA Times, earlier this week:
In Washington last week, Juanes, one of Colombia’s best known rock stars, met with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, White House officials and members of Congress partly to seek help in arranging a concert in Havana for September 21— the U.N. International Day of Peace. The Obama administration, which wants to improve relations with Cuba, likes the idea, said his manager, Fernan Martinez. More here.
