Sanctions Won’t Affect All Visas

WASHINGTON — A new law tightening sanctions against Cuba will not affect visas for foreign business executives who began operating on confiscated U.S. property before March 12, the State Department said Wednesday.

Spokesman Nicholas Burns said U.S. visas will be denied only to those foreigners who “trafficked” in such property after that date, when the Helms-Burton legislation was signed by President Clinton.

The prohibitions, he said, will cover any new capital investments in a confiscated asset as well as additional investments beyond routine maintenance in existing ventures. Clinton can waive the application of the provision but must make that decision by late summer.

“In general, we’re seeking to maximize pressure on the Castro regime, and we want to minimize the impact on our allies and on our trading partners,” he said.