Publication Date: 5/21/2008
Today, the Cuban people mark Day of Solidarity as they seek to establish
a democratic future for their country.
The US joins others throughout the world in calling for the release of
all Cuban political prisoners and repeal of all measures that allow the
Cuban government to arrest citizens for carrying out peaceful dissent.
Cubans need to know that they have international support in their
struggle for freedom and human rights.
There has been much talk in the media about small economic changes that
have been announced in Cuba.
The sad fact is that Cubans still live in a repressive state, as they
have for almost half a century.
Last December, Cuban authorities stormed a Catholic church, teargassed
parishioners, and dragged 18 worshippers out. A Catholic official called
the episode, "the worst attack against a church in 45 years."
And 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?
We will know that an enduring process of democratic change is underway
on the island, when Cubans have the freedom to organise, 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. Above all, we will know when
political prisoners are released, and when the Cuban people are free to
engage in an open and comprehensive dialogue about the future of their
country.
Solidarity with the Cuban people means supporting their right to all the
freedoms enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as
well as those in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Cuba recently signed the latter agreement, but when will the
government's actions conform with their commitments?
MICHAEL RANNEBERGER,
US Ambassador
Nairobi
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=23&newsid=123681
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