According to the New Mexico Independent, Richardson's visit has sparked a heated conversation as to the potential of restoring normalized relations with Cuba. While Richardson made it clear that he was not acting in an official capacity (other than Governor) for President Obama's administration, he does plan to meet with the President and report his impressions after the trip.
But is it likely that Cuban-American relations could shift in the near future? Probably -- and especially if you consider that during her confirmation hearings, now-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that her department would conduct a review of Cuban-American relations. (see questions 101-105)
While her answers at the time were vague -- after all she did not yet have the job -- they certainly indicated an ease of the otherwise tense nature of Cuban-American relations. President Obama has also indicated that he supports an ease of travel restrictions for family members and remittances to the island. Governor Richardson also expressed support for an ease in general travel restrictions to the country.
Coupled with this month's meeting with North Korean envoys, our Governor is growing his list of high-level meetings with less than friendly states. Twice before has the Governor met with Cuban officials -- in 1996 and 1997 -- and there is a working relationship established between the parties. These reasons along made Richardson the perfect choice for trade talks with Cuba.
Although Richardson stressed his non-official capacity, (there has not been an ambassador to Cuba from the United States since 1961) it is good to see that President Obama is interested in our Governor's opinions, expertise and impressions from the trip.
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