LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) - Returning from his second trip to Cuba in seven years, U.S. Representative Marion Berry joined five other congressmen Tuesday in calling for the administration of President George W. Bush to end the nation's 45-year trade embargo on Cuba.

They stressed the importance of entering the Cuban market as an economic

benefit for farmers and as a security issue as China offers more goods to the island.

The calls came on the same day Bush called Cuba one of the «worst dictatorships.»

The congressmen's trip to Havana was organized by the Center for Democracy in the Americas, at the same time of a major agricultural conference in the Communist nation.

Berry said he found the Cuban officials relaxed enough to speak English around the delegation. Berry said the officials would only speak Spanish seven years ago.

The members also traveled into the countryside, where Representative Bob Etheridge said he saw the increased use of Chinese products in Cuba, including food.

«As we rode through the country, there's no question China is making substantial investments in Cuba. ... I think from a national security standpoint, it is time for us to reevaluate a country that's 90 miles (144.8 kilometers) from our shore and Miami,» Etheridge said.

New rules in 2000 allowed increased U.S. agricultural trade with Cuba. Those rules led to a short burst in trade before the rules were clarified to require cash in advance before shipping products.

Last week, Cuba agreed to buy $118 million (¤87 million) in pork, soybeans, tomatoes and other U.S. food products, and officials said it was negotiating deals that could bring the total to nearly $150 million (¤110.8 million).