EC strikes deal with US over anti-Cuba laws

The European Commission said yesterday it had struck a deal with the United States settling its trade dispute over the US Helms-Burton anti-Cuba legislation.

The European Union Trade Commissioner, Sir Leon Brittan, said in a statement that the deal should allow the EU to suspend a panel that has been set up within the Geneva-based World Trade Organisation.

Sir Leon said the deal would also "chart a path towards a longer-term solution through amendment of the Helms Burton Act", which seeks to isolate the government of Fidel Castro by stopping investment. Reuters - Brussels