State Department on Repression in Cuba

U.S. salutes, supports Cuban peoples' struggle for freedoms

Almost 44 years after Cuban dictator Fidel Castro assumed power, the Cuban people still dream of free elections, freedom of expression, and economic and political rights, according to a December 15 State Department fact sheet.   (More)

December 8, 2003

Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba Holds Inaugural Session

Bush created commission to hasten Cuba's transition to democracy

President Bush's Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba held its inaugural meeting at the White House on December 5, according to a White House fact sheet issued December 8. (More)

05 December 2003

U.S. Notes Anniversary of Cuban Dissident's Arrest

Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet was first victim of recent Cuban crackdown

The United States is noting the one-year anniversary of the arrest of Cuban dissident Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, says State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli. (More)

17 November 2003

Latin American Leaders Urged to Help Jailed Cuban Political Dissidents

Press freedom defenders condemn Cuba's human rights situation


By Eric Green
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- A group that defends media freedom and imprisoned journalists worldwide has urged heads of state in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal to press the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro to release 75 political dissidents, who earlier in 2003 were arrested and sentenced to up to 28 years in prison. (More)

04 November 2003

U.S. Criticizes U.N. Call for End to Cuba Trade Embargo

General Assembly resolution on U.S. embargo on Cuba called "misguided"

The United States voiced strong exception to what it calls a "misguided" resolution passed November 4 by the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. (More)

17 October 2003

U.S. Official Outlines Measures to Inhibit Illegal Travel to Cuba

Says increased enforcement of restrictions will deny funds to Castro

Although "illegal travel to Cuba -- especially tourist travel -- may seem harmless, it is in fact an important source of revenue" for the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, says R. Richard Newcomb, director of the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). (More)

14 October 2003

Enforcement of U.S. Travel Restrictions to Cuba to be Enhanced

Aim is to curtail illegal travel and transport of goods and funds

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is stepping up enforcement of travel restrictions to Cuba that are already in place, according to an October 10 press release issued by DHS. (More)

10 October 2003

President Bush Pledges to Assist Cause of Freedom in Cuba

President announces initiatives to hasten democratic transition

"Cuba must change," President Bush said in announcing new efforts to hasten Cuba's transition to democracy.

In October 10 remarks from the White House Rose Garden, Bush noted his 2002 offer to work to improve U.S. relations with Cuba and to ease trade and travel restrictions between the two countries if the Cuban government enacted political and economic reforms. The response to the White House offer, Bush said, was "a new round of oppression that outraged the world's conscience." (More)

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. (More)

02 October 2003

Castro's Repression Sparks International Opposition to Regime

U.S. will continue efforts to accelerate democratic transition in Cuba

Cuban dictator Fidel Castro's most recent acts of repression have given rise to a growing international consensus on the need for a democratic transition in Cuba, says Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roger Noriega. (More)

26 September 2003

President Bush Fully Committed to Democratic Transition in Cuba

Larson says unconditionally lifting embargo would only reward Castro

The Bush administration is fully and firmly committed to encouraging a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba and the President's Initiative for a New Cuba is the best way to this end, says Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs Alan Larson. (More)

24 September 2003

European Ex-Presidents Call for New Fund to Support Democracy in Cuba

Havel, Walesa, Goncz call for support of Cuban dissidents

By Eric Green
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- Three former presidents of Eastern European countries have called for the establishment of a "Cuban Democracy Fund" to support the emergence of a civil society in Cuba that would be ready for "instant use" in case of political changes on the Caribbean island.  (More)

04 September 2003

European Union Condemns "Flagrant" Violation of Human Rights in Cuba

EU calls for release of all political prisoners in Cuba

By Eric Green
Washington File Staff Writer


Washington -- The European Union (EU) has adopted a resolution condemning what it describes as the "flagrant" violation of civil and political rights in Cuba, and calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners in the country.  (More)

11 August 2003

U.S. Concerned with Health of Cuban Political Prisoners|

State Dept. says health of Raul Rivero and Oscar Espinosa worsening

The United States is deeply concerned with the failing health and poor treatment of Cuba's political prisoners, in particular that of Raul Rivero and Oscar Espinosa, according to an August 11 statement by State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker. (More)

06 August 2003

Imprisoned Cuban Dissident Wins Award for Pro-Democracy Work

Roberto de Miranda one of 75 dissidents jailed in Castro crackdown

By Eric Green
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- A Cuban dissident who was among 75 people jailed by the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro earlier in 2003 has been honored with an award for his work promoting democracy in Cuba. (More)

01 August 2003

The State of Political Prisoners in Cuba

State Dept. cites mistreatment of dissidents, harsh jail conditions

Pointing to the recent arrest and imprisonment of 75 pro-democracy advocates by the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, the U.S. Department of State issued a fact sheet August 1 that highlights the gross human rights abuses suffered by jailed Cuban dissidents. (More)

30 July 2003

Cuban Espionage Activities Against the United States

State Dept. highlights several recent incidents

The U.S. Department of State issued a fact sheet on July 30, examining Cuba's history of espionage against the United States and outlining several examples of recent anti-U.S. spying by Cuban agents. These incidents are simply the latest evidence that the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro "has long targeted the United States for intensive espionage activities," the State Department said.  (More)

29 July 2003

U.S. Expresses Concern About Health of Cuban Political Prisoner

State Department says health of Marta Beatriz Roque has worsened

The United States has expressed deep concern about the failing health of Cuban political prisoner Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello, saying that the Cuban government "appears to be going out of its way" to treat her and other political prisoners inhumanely. (More)

02 July 2003

U.S. Institution Honors Cuban Dissident Group for Bravery

(Columbia University awards citation to "La Sociedad" group) (690)

By Eric Green
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- A special citation for bravery has been awarded by New York's Columbia University to a Cuban group called La Sociedad de Periodistas Manuel Marquez Sterling, many of whose members were arrested and sentenced to prison during a recent crackdown on dissidents in Cuba. (More)

13 June 2003

Cuba Subjects Jailed Dissidents to Harsh Conditions, Inhumane Treatment

(Reports indicate pattern of inadequate nutrition and health care)
(2680)

By Lauren Monsen
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- Pro-democracy activists jailed by the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro are systematically subjected to harsh and life-threatening prison conditions, according to first-hand accounts smuggled out of Cuba by relatives of incarcerated dissidents.  (More)

02 June 2003

Text: Health of Imprisoned Cuban Dissidents Concerns U.S.

(State Dept. calls for release of 75 political prisoners) (420)

The United States is concerned about the health of several political prisoners in Cuba, according to a June 2 statement issued by State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker. (More)

08 May 2003

Text: U.S. Pledges Increased Support for "Voices of Freedom" in Cuba

(USAID official briefs Congress on aiding Cuban democratic activists)
(1760)

The United States has pledged increased support for activists in Cuba who are working to bring about peaceful, democratic change on the island, says Adolfo Franco, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean. (More)

29 April 2003

U.S. Outraged at Cuba's Election to U.N. Human Rights Commission

("Cuba has worst human rights record in hemisphere," says U.S. envoy)
(500)
By Judy Aita
Washington File Staff Writer

United Nations -- Calling Cuba's re-election to the United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Commission an "outrage," the United States walked out of a meeting April 29 of the U.N. Economic and Social Council. (More)

17 April 2003

U.S. Goal is "Rapid, Peaceful" Transition to Democracy in Cuba

(White House Report, April 17: Cuba; Spain; Iraq; North Korea; Japan)
(1040)

The White House has added its voice to those of the international figures and organizations denouncing the Castro regime for its arrest and sentencing of Cuban dissidents it accuses of collaborating with the United States. (More)

16 April 2003

Secretary of State Powell Condemns Repression in Cuba

(Says Cuba's human rights record is "horrible" and deteriorating)
(470)

By Scott Miller
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- The Cuban government's arrest, summary trial and subsequent harsh sentencing of 75 dissidents are "condemnable" actions and should spark outrage, particularly among regional leaders and representatives of those nations participating in the United Nations Human Rights Commission currently convened in Geneva, says Secretary of State Colin Powell. (More)

16 April 2003

Text: U.S. Official Criticizes Cuba's Repression of Dissidents

(Says U.S. support for human rights advocates in Cuba will continue)
(1600)

The Cuban government's recent crackdown on dissidents is indicative of its failure, and the United States must continue to support Cuban citizens in their efforts toward democracy and a better life, says Lorne Craner, assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor. (More)

16 April 2003

Text: U.S. Applauds Latin American Resolution Condemning Cuba on Human Rights

(State Dept.'s Holmes testifies on Cuban crackdown against dissidents)
(1280)

The United States strongly backs a resolution introduced by three Latin American nations before the United Nations Commission on Human Rights condemning the violations of human rights in Cuba by the regime of Cuban President Fidel Castro, says Kim Holmes, the State Department's assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. (More)

16 April 2003

OAS Commission Condemns Cuban Government's Executions of Three Persons

(Human rights body says executions did not allow for due process)
(480)

Washington -- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has condemned the Cuban government's execution of three men charged with the hijacking of a passenger ferry boat in Havana and taking its passengers hostage.  (More)

16 April 2003

Text: U.S. to Continue Working Toward Peaceful Change in Cuba, Says Official

(State Dept.'s Struble testifies on crackdown against
Cuban citizens)
(1480)

The Bush Administration's work with "truly independent Cuban civil society" is helping the United States move toward the goal of encouraging rapid, peaceful transition to democracy in the island nation, says Curtis Struble, the State Department's acting assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs. (More)

16 April 2003

Text: U.N. Must Condemn Cuban Crackdown, Says Freedom House

(Urges world body to focus strong spotlight on abuses of Castro regime) (620)

In response to the recent harsh crackdown on political dissidents by the regime of Cuban President Fidel Castro, the non-profit organization Freedom House is urging the United Nations Commission on Human Rights "to strengthen a resolution on Cuba currently under consideration and to unequivocally condemn the Cuban regime's actions." (More)

16 April 2003

Text: USAID Official Says Agency Will Continue to Assist Cuba's People

(On Capitol Hill, USAID's Karen Harbert describes outreach efforts)
(2010)

Although "many millions of people in another part of the world" have now been released from the grip of a brutal dictatorship, "the Cuban people are not yet free," says Karen Harbert, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) deputy assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean. (More)

31 March 2003

U.S. Issues Scathing Report of Cuba's Human Rights Record

(State Dept. criticizes Castro regime for committing serious abuses)
(610)

Washington -- The Cuban regime of Fidel Castro continues to broadly violate the human rights of its citizens, according to a new report by the U.S. State Department. (More)

26 March 2003

Text: Bush Condemns Castro's Crackdown on Dissidents

(Cuban government recently has jailed over 75 activists) (220)

President George Bush condemned the government of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro on March 26 for its intensified repression of pro-democracy and human rights activists, according to a statement by the White House press secretary. (More)

27 January 2003

U.N. Appoints French Magistrate as Human Rights Representative on Cuba

(Christine Chanet to report on Cuba's human rights situation) (450)

Washington -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has appointed a special representative to report on the human rights situation in Cuba. (More)

17 September 2002


State Department Official Explains U.S. Position on Cuba

Says Cuba is attempting to impede U.S. war on terrorism

Because Fidel Castro's government in Cuba is "bankrupt, dictatorial and anachronistic," there is broad agreement among the nations of the Western Hemisphere on the need for democratic reforms within Cuba, says a senior U.S. administration official. (More)

11 July 2002

Bush Administration Opposes Legislative Efforts to Amend Cuba Policy

(Powell and O'Neill would oppose easing embargo or travel ban) (1030)

In a July 11 joint letter to David Obey, ranking member of the House of Representatives' Appropriations Committee, Secretary of State Collin Powell and Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill wrote that the Bush Administration would strongly oppose any legislative efforts to ease U.S. sanctions against Cuba or to change restrictions on travel to the island nation by U.S. citizens. They added that they would recommend that the president veto any such legislation. (More)

21 May 2002

Cuba Continues to Sponsor Terrorism, Says State Department Report

2001 report on global terrorism accuses Castro of harboring fugitives

The regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro continues to harbor international fugitives suspected of terrorist activity and other violent crimes, while refusing to cooperate with countries seeking to extradite those fugitives, according to the State Department's annual "Pattern of Global Terrorism" report. (More)

06 May 2002

Libya, Syria, Cuba Need Scrutiny for Weapons Programs, U.S. Says

State's Bolton addresses WMD threats at Heritage Foundation

In addition to North Korea, Iraq and Iran -- President Bush's "axis of evil," Libya, Syria and Cuba are states that also must be scrutinized for programs of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the State Department's top arms control and nonproliferation official says. (More)

07 April 2002


"The United States and Cuba," by Secretary of State Colin Powell

Secretary of State condemns repression in Cuba, urges democratic change

The column "The United States and Cuba," by Secretary of State Colin Powell, appeared April 7, 2002, in Diario Las Americas.

Permission has been obtained from Diario Las Americas for republication/translation of the following text by State Department/local press in the Western Hemisphere. Credit Diario Las Americas as follows: "Copyright (c) Diario Las Americas 2002. Reprinted by permission." (More)