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US GOVERNMENTS REPORTS |
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10 October 2003
White House Outlines
New Initiatives on Cuba
Restrictions on American travel to the island to be tightened
President Bush October 10 announced three initiatives he said would promote
the cause of freedom in Cuba, including a tightening of restrictions on
American travel to the island.
Following is the text of the fact sheet:
(begin fact sheet)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
October 10, 2003
FACT SHEET
"In all that lies ahead, the Cuban people will have a constant friend in the
United States of America. No tyrant can stand forever against the power of
liberty -- because the hope of freedom is found in every heart."
-- President George W. Bush, October 10, 2003
Today the President announced three initiatives intended to assist the Cuban
people in their struggle for freedom and to prepare the U.S. government for
the emergence of a free and democratic Cuba.
The President also underscored his commitment to breaking the information
blockade imposed on the Cuban people by the regime. He noted recent
developments, such as satellite transmissions, that are helping to bring
more broadcasts to more Cuban households.
Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba
-- Commission is co-chaired by Secretaries Powell and Martinez and comprised
of U.S. executive branch agency representatives.
-- Commission will help prepare the U.S. government to provide effective
assistance to a free Cuba.
-- The Commission will consider the elements of a comprehensive program to
assist the Cuban people to establish democracy and the rule of law, create
the core institutions of free enterprise, modernize infrastructure, and
provide health, housing, and human services.
Greater Enforcement of Travel Restrictions
-- Greater enforcement of travel restrictions will make more certain that
permitted travel for Americans (like family visits, humanitarian aid,
research) is not abused and used as cover for illegal business travel, to
skirt restrictions on carrying cash into Cuba, or tourism.
-- Violations of restrictions serve only to funnel funds to the dictator and
his repressive regime.
-- Enforcement agencies will increase inspections of travelers and shipments
to and from Cuba and target those who illegally travel to Cuba via third
countries or on private vessels.
Immigration
-- Improving our ability to identify and protect those who face persecution
in Cuba and provide them the opportunity to come to the United States
safely.
-- Goal is to see that no Cuban finds it necessary to risk his or her life
on the high seas to come to the United States.
-- Will increase the number of new migrants admitted from Cuba through a
safe, legal, and orderly process.
-- Will undertake a public diplomacy campaign in the U.S. and Cuba to better
inform Cubans about safe and legal migration options.
(end fact sheet)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov) |
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