Clinton says Cuba not ready for OAS

[May 21, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Cuba won't be allowed to rejoin the Organization of American States until it makes political reforms, releases political prisoners and respects human rights.

Clinton said Wednesday that the grouping of Western Hemisphere nations requires its members to adhere to democratic standards that the communist government of Cuba does not yet meet. She made the comments to lawmakers ahead of the organization's annual meeting.

Some countries want to annul a resolution that suspended Cuba's membership. The Obama administration has said it wants to engage with Cuba and has eased some sanctions but has called for Cuba to reciprocate with reforms before moving ahead.

[Associated Press]

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