Cuba likely to dominate OAS Summit

Security is tight in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital Port of Spain for the fifth 34-nation Summit of the Americas.

Not least because of US President Barack Obama’s scheduled visit. The global recession is top of the agenda. The G20 nations have approved a trillion dollar, or 760 billion euro package of funding to help developing countries, with Latin America a leading beneficiary. Although no delegation from Cuba will be there, the issue of the US embargo is likely to dominate as Caribbean leaders pile pressure on Washington to end sanctions against the island. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has pledged to demand Cuba’s return to the fold – he’ll be vociferously backed by Bolivian President Evo Morales. The US says it is willing to talk to Cuba but the Obama administration is unlikely to relax the 47-year-old trade embargo any further without first exacting promises from Havana to extend more human rights to its citizens.

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