Miami Cubans Soften Over Us Embargo

Hardline support among Cuban Americans for sanctions against their former homeland is falling, according to a new poll published yesterday.

The findings, published in the Miami Herald, show that Cuban Americans, especially the younger generation, favour a more relaxed approach - 55% said they backed unrestricted travel to Cuba.

The US has maintained an economic, financial and travel embargo on Cuba since 1962, three years after Fidel Castro took power. Cuban exiles living in America have been one of the most powerful political lobbies pressuring Congress to maintain the blockade.

The poll, conducted by the Florida International University with help from the respected Brookings Institution in Washington, confirmed a steady decline in support for the embargo. The poll has been held every two years since 1991.

Although the poll found a large number of Cuban Americans still in favour not only of sanctions but invasion, a larger number favoured restoring diplomatic ties. The poll found 57% in favour of the embargo but this was down from 66% three years ago. While 29% favoured lifting the embargo without preconditions, 8% would only do so after Castro died.