WASHINGTON.- On January 16, President George W. Bush renewed
                   the six-month suspension of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which
                   would authorize U.S. citizens and businesses to sue entities doing
                   business in Cuba involving property nationalized after the triumph of
                   the Revolution.

                   This is the second time since assuming power that Bush has
                   suspended this part of the law that seeks to further tighten the
                   blockade, lasting more than 40 years, against Cuba.

                   Since Helms-Burton passed in 1996, President Bill Clinton suspended
                   the controversial clause every six months.

                   The United States’ main allies in Europe and other regions oppose
                   Title III, considering it unilateral and extraterritorial. The European
                   Commission expressed its satisfaction with President Bush’s decision
                   and said that European leaders frequently remind their U.S.
                   counterparts about their stance.

                   Spanish, French, German, British and Italian businesses would be the
                   most affected by the legislation’s complete application.

                   RESIGNATION AMONG THE MIAMI MAFIA

                   Meanwhile, the Miami ultra-right, which has pressured Bush not to
                   suspend that section of the law since his arrival in the White House,
                   could not hide its frustration.

                   Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, of Cuban descent,
                   told AFP that Bush’s decision was unfortunate and a hard blow, but
                   not a surprise. She added that she hadn’t expected Bush to approve
                   putting Title III into effect during his term in office, since he had never
                   promised to do so.

                   Likewise, Joe García, executive director of the Cuban American
                   National Foundation, stated with a clear sense of resignation that
                   they would have to get used to the situation.