Richardson offers to mediate Cuba talks

ALBUQUERQUE, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson says he's offered to mediate talks between Cuba and anti-Castro Cuban-Americans.

Speaking Tuesday at the University of New Mexico, Richardson, who visited the communist island nation last month with a state delegation, said he has presented the idea to unnamed Cuban-American leaders, as well as to top Cuban officials, the Albuquerque Journal reported Wednesday.

"They weren't enthusiastic about this -- but they didn't say no," Richardson said of his talks in Havana.

The one-time Democratic U.S. presidential candidate has emerged as one of the most visible advocates of opening a dialogue between the Cuban government and anti-communist expatriates living in the United States, drawing criticism from the latter, the newspaper said. But Tuesday he defended his efforts, saying that the Cubans eventually "are going to have to make some moves toward democracy" before the 47-year-old U.S. trade embargo can be lifted.

Richardson said Havana could respond to U.S. moves to ease travel restrictions by permitting Cubans to travel abroad more freely or releasing certain political prisoners, the Journal said.