Former US President urges easing of Cuba policy

Former President Jimmy Carter said anti-Castro leaders in Florida have a major and exaggerated influence on the presidential election in that battleground state.

Criticising US policy, Mr Carter said he thinks most Cuban-Americans want open borders and an end to the trade embargo.

He said he hopes the next president will act forcefully to improve relations with Cuba, no matter who wins. But he says he would rather that President Barack Obama win re-election.

Mr Carter is also calling for Cuba to be removed from the US State Department’s list of state sponsors of terror. Cuba has been on that list since 1982.

Mr Carter spoke to a meeting of Latin America’s development bank in Washington. His comments came as Mitt Romney’s campaign is working to link Mr Obama to unpopular aspects of Mr Carter’s legacy.