U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher defended more stringent U.S. laws banning trade with Cuba during a May 7 visit to Mexico, and tried to reassure Mexican businesses that new sanctions would be prospective only and would not be applied to businesses and business owners who had invested in Cuba prior to the enactment of the Helms-Burton legislation this year. The European Union has asked for World Trade Organization consultations on the Helms Burton bill, which has also been denounced by other U.S. allies. Cuban officials say the pace of foreign investment has slowed since last year.
Some observers blame Cuba for slowness in opening to foreign capital.
Burton plays a significant role.