GEORGE Ryan, governor of the U.S. state of Illinois, who
                   visited the island three years ago, is to return this month for
                   a three-day stay.

                   Talking to the Chicago Tribune, Ryan recalled his visit to the
                   island in October 1999 and commented that the objective of
                   this second journey is to create ties between the two
                   peoples. He affirmed that with this trip, the people of Illinois
                   are once again extending a hand toward their Cuban
                   neighbors so as to build long-lasting bridges of good will and
                   understanding.

                   The governor arrives in Cuba with a delegation on January 24.
                   His visit is being organized in conjunction with the New York
                   Americans for Humanitarian Trade with Cuba group, an
                   organization advancing the normalization of U.S. trade
                   relations with Cuba.

                   Last month the governor participated in an event in New
                   Orleans organized by the Archer Daniels food exporting
                   company, to mark the departure for Cuba of the first vessel
                   transporting merchandise since 1963. Its cargo mainly
                   comprised corn from Illinois.

                   According to the Chicago Tribune, the governor will be
                   accompanied on this second visit by representatives of the
                   Ferris Manufacturing, Medline, DMS Pharmaceutical, JLR
                   International and 21st Century Heathcare companies, all
                   located in Illinois and involved in the manufacture and sale of
                   pharmaceutical products.