International Law Quarterly by the International Law Section of the Florida Bar released a “Special Cuba Edition” for Fall 2016. As the United States and Cuba work on relations, those working in international law are beginning to see Cuba play a more central role in the legal realm. The Special Cuba Edition includes various articles by professional to serve as a reference on the subject.

On the issue of claims, PobleteTamargo attorney, Arthur M. Freyre writes about the U.S. Certified Claims against Cuba and the possible scenarios involving property negotiations in “Canary in the Coal Mine: An Overview of the U.S. Certified Claims Against Cuba.” Freyre writes;

The United States’ certified claims against the Cuban government are an important but often forgotten element in the debate of whether or not the embargo should continue or be lifted. How the United States and Cuba negotiate and resolve this matter will provide us with a glimpse of what the relations between these two countries will look like in the initial stages of the reestablishment of trade relations. To understand the resolution of the U.S. certified claims process, one must have a working knowledge of not only the U.S. Certified Claims Program against Cuba, but also the history of the program.

After giving us a thorough explanation of the U.S. Certified Claims programs held by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, Freyre goes on to examine possible outcomes for settlement of property claims against the Government of Cuba. He concludes that, “The certified claims issue serves as an indicator of how serious Cuba’s desire is to improve relations with the United States.”

The complete ILQ Special Cuba Edition by The Florida Bar International Law Section can be found below.

“Canary in the Coal Mine: An Overview of the U.S. Certified Claims Against Cuba,” can be found on Page 24.