I have continually relied on Senator Graham for his wise counsel and deep understanding of these issues and have consulted regularly with a wide variety of leaders on the House side including Chairman Gilman, Chairman Burton, Chairman Hamilton, Chairman Bereuter, Representative Menendez and others. Their staffs have been instrumental. On ILSA, we have worked closely with Senators D'Amato and Kennedy and their staffs and will continue to do so to work towards the objectives of that Act. I would also like to recognize Sir Leon Brittan and his negotiating team for taking a constructive and creative approach to this dispute and for preventing unnecessary tensions. I would also like to restate our commitment to continue every effort to support the peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba and to continue to work with our allies on concrete steps toward that goal.
Much work remains.
But today, the United States and the EU have embarked on an initiative which will have an important and long lasting impact.