Events 2007

President Bush discusses Cuba policy

President Bush Lauds Czech Republic’s Support of Cuba

October 25, 2007

“One of the great success stories of the past century is the advance of economic and political freedom across Latin America. And the United States is proud and active to work with you in your transformations. One country in our region still isolates its people from the hope that freedom brings, and traps them in a system that has failed them.
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Cuba's rulers promised individual liberty. Instead they denied their citizens basic rights that the free world takes for granted. In Cuba it is illegal to change jobs, to change houses, to travel abroad, and to read books or magazines without the express approval of the state.
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Cuba's rulers promised an era of economic advancement. Instead they brought generations of economic misery. …
Cuba's rulers promised freedom of the press. Instead they closed down private newspapers and radio and television stations.
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Cuba's rulers promised, "absolute respect for human rights." Instead they offered Cubans rat-infested prisons and a police state.
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The Czech Republic and Hungary and Poland have been vital sources of support and encouragement to Cuba's brave democratic opposition. I ask other countries to follow suit. All nations can make tangible efforts to show public support for those who love freedom on the island. They can open up their embassies in Havana to pro-democracy leaders and invite them to different events. They can use their lobbies of the embassies to give Cubans access to the Internet and to books and to magazines. They can encourage their country's non-governmental organizations to reach out directly to Cuba's independent civil society.”

To read the complete speech, please click here.