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Council on Hemispheric Affairs
1250 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1C,
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-223-4975 Fax: 202-223-4979
Email: coha@coha.org
Website: www.coha.org

Council on Hemispheric Affairs Monitoring
Political, Economic and Diplomatic Issues
Affecting the Western Hemisphere

A Constructive Plot to Return Guantanamo
Bay to Cuba in the Near Future

This analysis was prepared by COHA
Research Staff Thursday March 15, 2007

The grant of the foregoing Article
[regarding the leasing of Guantanamo]
shall include the right to use and occupy
the waters adjacent to said areas of land
and water, and to improve and deepen the
entrances thereto and the anchorages
therein, and generally to do any and all
things necessary to fit the premises for use
as coaling or naval stations only, and for no
other purpose. Article II of the Agreement
Between the United States and Cuba for
the Lease of Lands for Coaling and Naval
stations; February 23, 1903.

Washington may be Loosing its Right, let
Alone its Political Ability to Maintain its
Control over Guantanamo

The Bush administration has made several
declarations expressing its willingness to
help Cuba make a smooth transition to a
Washington-approved democracy,
achieved through a soft landing. This
transition would take effect upon Fidel
Castros death or complete incapacitation
(taking note of the Cuba leaders botched
operation and subsequent reports of his
fragile health). However, one complex issue
that is only now being raised is the judicial
basis for the U.S.-occupied naval base at
Guantanamo.

Full article…

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