Article Describes Advocacy Clauses in Alimport Contracts
The Miami Herald published an article on October 3, 2004 discussing the advocacy clauses that are frequently included in many contracts for the sale of food, medical and agricultural products to Cuba. This issue recently gained widespread attention after Sysco Corporation announced in August that it was rescinding an agreement it signed to sell food products to Cuba since the agreement contained an advocacy clause that violated company policy.
The article notes that Alimport, the Cuban Government's food-importing agency, has placed increased pressure on U.S. companies to be "more public" and "more forceful" about their opposition to U.S. policy on Cuba. The article indicates that representatives of Alimport have decreased purchases from U.S. companies whose commitment to a change in United States policy is suspect. The article names several members of Congress, state government officials and other organizations that have signed contracts with Alimport that contains advocacy clauses and includes examples of the specific advocacy clauses included in Alimport contracts.
The article can be viewed at the following link: www.cubanet.org/CNews/y04/oct04/04e6.htm.