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Remarks by Adolfo Franco, Assistant Administrator
Remarks to the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy
August 5, 2004
- “ ….Civil society in Cuba is alive and well,
and growing stronger. Far from ending opposition to Castro’s
rule, last year’s repression emboldened the internal
opposition and led to wide-spread condemnation from around
the world, including from some countries and individuals
which had previously expressed support for Castro and his
system.
- But, in lashing out against peaceful human rights activists,
Castro roused the international community. Not only the
United States, but the European Union, the United Nations,
the Organization for American States, Amnesty International,
Human Rights Watch, and free people everywhere are demanding
the release of all Cuban political prisoners.
- President Bush has made clear to the world that the United
States utterly rejects Fidel Castro's dictatorial rule and
his abuse of fundamental human rights. The policy of the
United States Government is peaceful transition to democracy
in Cuba. And that clearly will not happen with Fidel Castro
and his henchmen running Cuba.
- Cuba’s independent libraries are rebuilding their
book collections and expanding the range of services they
offer. The Cuban government harasses them, but independent
librarians continue to serve thousands of Cuban citizens
every day, from one end of the island to the other.
- As Senator John McCain said in June of this year, “Dissent
in Cuba is alive and well. The pro-democracy movement has
survived the repression organized by Castro to crush it.
It has weathered the storm.”
- The Cuban people are resilient. History shows they can
be very brave, resourceful, stubborn, and persistent. They
yearn for freedom, and they will eventually secure it.
- I am told that when Castro went to the city of Santa Clara
on July 26 of this year, there was a sign waiting for him
that someone had erected on one of the walls of the Santa
Clara cemetery. The sign said, “Fidel: Bienvenido.
Estas en tu Casa.”
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004 -- (Miami, FL)
Complete content at: Assistant
Administrator Adolfo Franco Addresses Association for the
Study of the Cuban Economy, Miami, Florida - August 5, 2004
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