American Delegation Visiting Cuba

Rep. Joe Moakley, D-Mass., and a delegation of about two dozen Americans left Tuesday for Cuba with hopes of improving the climate for a more normal relationship with the island.

The group plans to meet with a Catholic charity group in Cuba and other independent groups to try to find ways to support them. Moakley’s press secretary, Karin Walser, said a meeting with President Fidel Castro is possible. The two had met last year during Castro’s visit to New York.

U.S. officials said Moakley initially envisioned a mission dominated by American businessmen with the focus on trade and investment opportunities in Cuba.

But the Clinton administration said approval for such a visit was not possible because it does not license travel to the island for the purpose of looking into the investment climate.

Most of those accompanying Moakley are business people but their focus will be on development of civil society in Cuba, consistent with administration requirements, the officials said.

In addition to business people, the delegation includes academicians and representatives of humanitarian groups.

The group plans to return on Friday.