For information on travel and foreign residence conditions, please refer to Response to Information Request CUB21402.E of 2 August 1995 and other Responses available at your Regional Documentation Centre. CUB21402.E contains recent information on Cuban artists in Mexico and abroad, as well as the list of sources consulted for researching both CUB21402.E and this Response. Additional updated information on the subject could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

One statement that might be of interest was provided in a recent news article reporting on a migration and travel agreement between the United States and Cuban governments. The report states that "American officials also hinted that the United States might lift some of its travel restrictions on Cubans to allow scientists, artists and academics to travel between the two countries" (The Vancouver Sun 6 May 1995). However, the report does not comment on any similar restrictions on the part of Cuba. Please find attached to this Response a copy of the cited article, included for your reference.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

The Vancouver Sun. 6 May 1995, Final Edition. Carol Goar. "U.S.-Cuba Deal Struck in Toronto Negotiations: 'Sightseeing' Cuban Official Met in Secret With American Counterpart." (NEXIS)

The Vancouver Sun. 6 May 1995, Final Edition. Carol Goar. "U.S.-Cuba Deal Struck in Toronto Negotiations: 'Sightseeing' Cuban Official Met in Secret With American Counterpart." (NEXIS)