Mayors conference adopts resolution on ending embargo

By Center for Democracy in the Americas On Jul 7, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has adopted a resolution calling on Congress to end the embargo against Cuba, citing their leaders’ recent trip to Cuba, organized by the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA), in the case that the organization made for endorsing its official pro-normalization policy.

The action came during the recently concluded 84th annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors which took place in Indianapolis, Indiana.

CDA executive director Sarah Stephens worked with Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, in organizing a fact-finding delegation to Cuba for USCM officers from May 25-29. While mayors and municipal officials frequently visit the island, this was the first official visit by the U.S. Conference of Mayors since 1978.

Sarah Stephens: "Mayors have long been champions for closer relations between the U.S. and Cuba." — Sarah Stephens: “Mayors have long been champions for closer relations between the U.S. and Cuba.”

USCM leaders in the delegation included then-President, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of Baltimore; Vice President, Mayor Mitchell Landrieu of New Orleans; and the newly inaugurated President, Mayor Mick Cornett of Oklahoma City. The delegation met with Cuban officials to discuss education, healthcare, transportation, and the state of U.S.-Cuba relations; the mayors expressed their support for normalizing bilateral relations, and their intentions to foster ties between their cities and Cuba.

In comments about the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ resolution, Sarah Stephens said:

“Mayors have long been champions for closer relations between the U.S. and Cuba, and adoption of this resolution calling on Congress to lift the embargo sends a message loud and clear about how the leaders of their communities want closer relations, dialogue, and commercial activity to benefit both countries. CDA commends Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Mayor Landrieu for their leadership in sponsoring this resolution, and urges Congress to respond positively to the Mayors’ message and move forward on normalizing relations with Cuba.”

A video of the USCM debate on the resolution can be viewed here.