New Orleans mayor talks natural disasters in Cuba
By WILL WEISSERT
Associated Press Writer
HAVANA -- The mayor of New Orleans arrived in Cuba on Friday to study
the communist government's disaster response system.
A Cuban official said Mayor Ray Nagin planned to be on the island six
days, though details were not available. Nagin's office confirmed the
visit, which began a day after President Barack Obama was in New Orleans.
Nagin's city was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and many deaths there were
blamed on people deciding to ride out the storm. Cuba uses mandatory
evacuations to limit casualties from hurricanes, with authorities going
door to door to ensure all comply.
Trips by U.S. mayors to Cuba are not uncommon. Politicians can obtain
Treasury Department permission to visit.
In the 1950s, Cuba was a top source of trade through the port of New
Orleans, but the statement from Nagin's office did not mention trade.
New Orleans mayor talks natural disasters in Cuba - World AP -
MiamiHerald.com (16 October 2009)
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1286735.html
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