NEW ORLEANS, March 7 (UPI) -- Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco's trade mission to communist Cuba stirred up some criticism Monday from the Cuban American community.
Blanco says the purpose of her trip this week is to promote Louisiana business, but a spokesman for the Cuban American National Foundation said it sends another message.
George Fowler, a New Orleans attorney and foundation vice president, said the trip helps Cuban President Fidel Castro further his propaganda war to change U.S. policy.
Blanco doesn't want Louisiana to be left behind as trade increases with Cuba in the future. Congress loosened the trade embargo with Cuba five years ago to allow agricultural and medical exports to the island nation.
Blanco was in Mexico Monday to take over as president of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord, an economic development group. She will arrive in Havana Tuesday to link up with a Louisiana delegation of business leaders.
