| President Bush piles pressure on Cuba transition |
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Oct.24.- President Bush said today, "Few issues have challenged this department -- and our nation -- longer than the situation in Cuba. Nearly half a century has passed since Cuba's regime ordered American diplomats to evacuate our embassy in Havana. This was the decisive break of our diplomatic relations with the island, a troubling signal for the future of the Cuban people, and the dawn of an unhappy era between our two countries. In this building, President John F. Kennedy spoke about the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba's dictatorship. And it was here where he announced the end of the missile crisis that almost plunged the world into nuclear war. Today, another President comes with hope to discuss a new era for the United States and Cuba. The day is coming when the Cuban people will chart their own course for a better life. The day is coming when the Cuban people have the freedom they have awaited for so long."  ... The US President stressed that "The United States knows how much the Cuban people are suffering -- and we have not stood idle. Over the years, we've granted asylum to hundreds of thousands who have fled the repression and misery imposed by the regime. We've rallied nations to take up the banner of Cuban liberty. And we will continue to do so. We've authorized private citizens and organizations to provide food, and medicine, and other aid -- amounting to more than $270 million last year alone. The American people, the people of this generous land, are the largest providers of humanitarian aid to the Cuban people in the entire world." [ full speech HERE ] US President challenges other Nations to help bring Democracy to Cuba "Now is the time to stand with the Cuban people as they stand up for their liberty," Bush said in remarks at the State Department. "And now is the time for the world to put aside its differences and prepare for Cuba's transition to a future of freedom and progress and promise." ... Bush also called on the Cuban military, police and government officials to refuse to crack down on the nation's citizens if they take up his call for democracy. "You may have once believed in the revolution. Now you can see its failure," Bush said. "When Cubans rise up to demand their liberty . . . the liberty they deserve, you've got to make a choice. Will you defend a disgraced and dying order by using force against your own people? Or will you embrace your people's desire for change?" ... [ full text ] |
