ambassador remarks

Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People

By Ambassador Richard W. Graber 

On May 21, the United States government and many individual Americans will celebrate the courage and determination of the Cuban people as they seek their freedom and voice in establishing a democratic future for their country.  On this day, in the United States, throughout the Western Hemisphere and elsewhere, we will commemorate a day of solidarity with the Cuban people.

The United States will again call for the release of all Cuban political prisoners and repeal of all measures that allow the Cuban government to arrest citizens for carrying out acts of peaceful dissent. The Cuban people need to know that they have international support in their struggle for freedom and human rights, as the people in Central Europe once did. 

The experience of the Czech Republic’s peaceful transition in 1989 serves as a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the globe who yearn for relief from totalitarian control.  The Czech commitment to help others with their struggle for freedom and human rights has never wavered.  The United States admires and applauds this longstanding and principled commitment and the efforts undertaken by the Czech government, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to secure human rights in Cuba.

There has been much talk in the media about the recent changes announced in Cuba.  Yes, Raul Castro has replaced his brother, but this was a process in which Cuba’s citizens had no say.  Yes, Cubans can now buy cell phones and microwave ovens and stay in five star hotels.  While Cubans may welcome such changes, they have the right to so much more.  

The sad fact is that Cuba’s citizens still live in a repressive state, as they have for almost half a century.  Last December, Cuban authorities stormed a Catholic church, tear-gassed parishioners, and dragged 18 worshipers out.  A Catholic official called the episode, "the worst attack against a church in 45 years."  Just a few weeks ago, the “Ladies in White,” who march peacefully each Sunday on behalf of freedom for their unjustly imprisoned loved ones, were beaten and dragged away from the “ Plaza of the Revolution” when they sought to deliver a petition to their government asking for the release of political prisoners.  Is this change?

So how will we know when an enduring process of democratic change is underway on the island?  We will know there is a new Cuba when Cubans have the freedom to organize, assemble, and speak their minds.  We will know there is a new Cuba when a free and independent press has the power to operate without censors. We will know there is a new Cuba when the Cuban government allows Cubans to open their own businesses and improve the economic well-being of their families.