Abbott wants more Cuban trade but mum on embargo

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott won’t say whether he wants the U.S. to lift the embargo with Cuba even while leaving Havana hoping to expand trade.

Abbott on Wednesday ended a three-day trip to Cuba. He’s the third U.S. governor to visit since the countries began normalizing relations last year after a half-century of hostility.

Abbott’s eagerness with Cuba is at the odds with the hardline stance of some 2016 GOP presidential contenders. Ted Cruz has slammed the Obama administration over the efforts and accused the president of giving legitimacy to Cuban President Raul Castro.

Abbott is a fierce critic of the White House but says he sees nothing to oppose in this case.

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Abbott didn’t announce new partnerships or deals with Cuba but suggested that some may be coming.