Organization of American States chief seeks dialogue with Cuba

(AP) The head of the Organization of American States said Monday he is open to a dialogue with Cuba, which was expelled from the body more than 40 years ago.

OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza told a news conference in the Peruvian capital, Lima, that the body should initiate "at least a significant dialogue with Cuba," since many OAS member countries maintain diplomatic relations with the island nation.

Cuba was expelled from the OAS in 1962 after member nations said its communist regime went against OAS principles.

"I'm not calling for Cuba's return to the OAS ... but it seems to me that the OAS should get involved in at least initiating a significant dialogue with Cuba."

"The sooner the better," Insulza said of potential talks, alluding to the fact that OAS members do not need to wait until Cuban President Fidel Castro's death to discuss the country's possible return to the body.

Castro, 80, provisionally ceded power to his brother on July 31 after undergoing intestinal surgery.

The United States is one of the few OAS member countries that opposes Cuba's return to the OAS.