Trade links with Cuba boosted

Ways to boost trade and economic cooperation between Lebanon and Cuba were discussed on September 3 by the Cuban deputy foreign minister, Emelio Caballero, and the Lebanesse foreign ministry secretary general, Zafer Al Hassan.

Leveling trade between the two countries, which currently is in Cuba's favor, was a priority.

Lebanon currently imports cigars, sugar and medicines worth 50,000 US dollars annually.

Bilateral relations, the Middle East and the situation in south Lebanon were also discussed. Cuba expressed support for Lebanon's quest to liberate its land from Israeli occupation. Hassan in return condemned the United States' current economic embargo of Cuba.

Caballero, who called the talks fruitful, also urged the United States to exert more diplomatic pressure on Israel. He added that Israel's intransigence seriously jeopardized the future of the peace process.