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May 21, 2002.
Bush outlines conditions under which U.S. will ease sanctions on Cuba
Tue May 21, 5:38 Am Et . By George Gedda, Associated Press
Writer
MIAMI - Denouncing Cuba's Fidel Castro as a brutal dictator, U.S. President
George W. Bush said he won't budge toward easing restrictions on trade and
travel with Cuba until its communist regime allows free and fair elections and
begins to adopt meaningful economic reform.
"Start to release your chokehold on the working people and on
enterprise," Bush demanded in a fiery speech Monday. "Then — and
only then — will we talk about easing sanctions, and not before."
Bush outlined an "Initiative for a new Cuba" and set out a list of
tough conditions for lifting the 40-year U.S. trade embargo, first at the White
House and then in a speech here before a raucous gathering dominated by
Cuban-American supporters.
There was a strong whiff of politics in the air — the president was
introduced by his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is seeking re-election in
November.
Bush's speech was clearly aimed at giving his brother maximum support from
Cuban-American voters in what could be a closely contested election; the Florida
vote in the 2000 presidential elections was virtually a dead heat.
Thousands of Cuban-Americans roared approval at Bush's remarks, interrupting
him again and again with standing ovations and cries of "Libertad!
Libertad!" and "Cuba, si, Castro, no!"
Bush shouted back, "Viva Cuba libre!"
Communist officials in Havana said Monday that Bush's new Cuba initiative
marked no real change in U.S. hardline policies.
"This initiative is not new," Rogelio Polanco, editor of the
Communist Youth daily Juventud Rebelde, said during the government's daily "Round
Table" television program. The Cuba policy that Bush described on Monday is
"politically obsolete," he said.
Bush's speech represented his administration's most comprehensive Cuba
policy statement to date.
"If Cuba's government takes all necessary steps to ensure that the 2003
elections are certifiably free and fair, and if Cuba begins to adopt meaningful
market-based reforms, then — and only then — will I work with the
United States Congress to ease the ban on trade and travel between the two
countries," Bush said.
At present, trade with Cuba is restricted for the most part to U.S. sales of
medical-related goods and the cash-only sale of food.
Americans who wish to travel to Cuba generally must receive a license from
the Treasury Department . Those with a professional interest in Cuba or with
family ties on the island are eligible for licenses. Tourism by Americans is
forbidden.
Bush's speeches, on the 100th anniversary of Cuban independence from Spain,
came just days after former President Carter, during a visit to Cuba, urged an
end to the U.S. embargo.
Democrats on Capitol Hill generally expressed disappointment with Bush's
statements.
Sen. Chris Dodd, chairman of the Foreign Relations subcommittee on Latin
America, said Bush "set forth a laundry list of actions that the Castro
government must take before the U.S. takes even one step toward modifying U.S.
policies.
"By doing so he has guaranteed that the current political system in
Cuba will remain the same."
Sen. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, said the embargo "has not
accomplished one thing it was meant to accomplish. What a foolish policy it is."
Rep. Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who is a member of a group of House
members opposed to current U.S. Cuba policy, said the embargo has been applied "with
absolutely no success. After 40 years of failure, we need to recognize that this
approach is clearly not working and try something new."
In Cuba, some leading dissidents did not approve of Bush's hard-line stand.
"Changes have to be made but changes have to be made on both sides,"
said Vladimiro Roca, who was released from prison in Cuba earlier this month. "The
prickly relationship between the two countries ... can hurt our hopes for
advancing a transition to democracy."
Another human rights activist, Elizardo Sanchez, praised Bush for his
support of the Varela Project to get a national referendum on civil rights. "The
rest of (Bush's) speech was more of the same, the same thorny rhetoric from the
time of the Cold War that has characterized the relationship between the
countries for 40 years," Sanchez said.
Bush said the embargo was not an end in itself. "The goal of the United
States policy toward Cuba is not a permanent embargo on Cuba's economy. The goal
is freedom for Cuba's people."
Later, Bush attended an event designed to raise dlrs 2 million for the
Florida Republican Party. The host was Armando Codina, a real estate developer
and former business partner of Jeb Bush.
In his morning speech, delivered from the East Room of the White House, Bush
said Castro will have a chance to establish democratic credentials next year
when voters elect members of the National Assembly.
As a rule, only loyal members of the Communist Party are eligible to run.
Bush said that Article 71 of the Cuban Constitution calls for the election
of deputies by "free, direct and secret vote."
"All elections in Castro's Cuba have been a fraud," Bush said. "The
voices of the Cuban people have been suppressed, and their voices have been
meaningless."
To get restrictions eased, Bush said Cuba must:
_Allow opposition parties to speak freely and organize.
_Allow independent trade unions.
_Free all political prisoners.
_Allow human rights organizations to visit Cuba to ensure that the
conditions for free elections are being created.
_Allow outside observers to monitor 2003 elections.
_End discriminatory practices against Cuban workers.
Cuba Reacts to Bush Policy Speech
Tue May 21, 9:36 Am Et . By Anita Snow, Associated Press
Writer
HAVANA (AP) - A senior Communist official accused President Bush of
pandering to Cuban exiles in Miami by continuing hard-line policies against the
island as a payoff for help in the 2000 election.
Bush's speeches on Cuba policy in favor of the U.S. trade embargo were "a
gesture of thanks and gratitude" for the exiles' support of him and his
brother Jeb, who is running for re-election as Florida governor, National
Assembly President Ricardo Alarcon said Monday night.
Alarcon mocked Bush's insistence that Cuba call new elections in 2003,
saying: "You have to have a lot of nerve to go to Miami and speak of honest
and clean elections," referring to the disputed voting results in Florida
during the November 2000 presidential balloting.
Another government official said Bush's speeches Monday in Washington and
Miami were "politically obsolete."
"It is more of the same of the old and failed policy toward Cuba,"
said Rogelio Polanco editor of the Communist Youth daily Juventud Rebelde.
Bush said he would not heed calls to lift the Cuban trade embargo unless
President Fidel Castro releases political prisoners, conducts independently
monitored elections and accepts a list of tough U.S. conditions for a "new
government that is fully democratic."
But aside from the attacks on Bush, and complaints that there was nothing
new in his remarks, there was no coherent official response.
That is likely to come later, probably in a speech by Castro.
Earlier in the day, leading dissidents responded to Bush's speech in
Washington by saying they feared continued U.S. trade sanctions could harm their
efforts at democratic reform.
"Changes have to be made but changes have to be made on both sides,"
said Vladimiro Roca, who was released from prison earlier this month just two
months short of his five-year sentence.
"Dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation" will help more than
continued tough U.S. policies, Roca said. "The prickly relationship between
the two countries ... can hurt our hopes for advancing a transition to
democracy."
Roca and veteran human rights activist Elizardo Sanchez, both of whom
watched coverage of the president's speech on CNN, said they found positive
elements, especially Bush's call for a resumption of postal service between the
two countries and his reference to the Varela Project reform referendum.
Former President Jimmy Carter also mentioned the Varela Project last week in
an unprecedented live speech to the Cuban people. It was the first time most
Cubans had heard of the petition drive, which has gathered more than 11,000
voters' signatures.
The proposal seeks a national vote on guarantees of civil rights such as
freedom of speech, as well as the right to own a business, an amnesty for
political prisoners and electoral reform. Cuban officials have given little hope
for its success.
"The rest of (Bush's) speech was more of the same, the same prickly
rhetoric from the time of the Cold War that has characterized the relationship
between the countries for 40 years," Sanchez said.
Sanchez said Bush's view of relations lagged "far behind" Carter,
whose "speech reflected the point of view of the great silent majority in
both countries who want better relations."
Bush's remarks, which aides said had been in the works since January, came a
week after Carter urged the communist government to embrace democracy and called
on the United States to lift the 40-year-old trade embargo and restrictions on
American travel to the island.
Carter argued that the restrictions have failed to force a change in
Castro's government while making life tough on ordinary Cubans.
On Capitol Hill, many in Congress agreed, saying it was obvious continued
sanctions had not and would not change Cuba's system of government.
Bush warns lawmakers not to test his resolve on Cuba embargo
Tue May 21, 8:52 Am Et . By Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press
Writer
MIAMI - Many lawmakers are skeptical about President George W. Bush 's
unyielding stance on the Cuba trade embargo, but Bush warned them not to test
his resolve, threatening to veto any legislation that would lift the blockade or
tourism restrictions.
"I will not allow our taxpayers' money to go to enrich the Castro
regime, and I'm willing to use my veto," Bush on Monday told a raucous
crowd of thousands in this city heavily populated by Cuban-Americans.
The audience roared its approval, interrupting his speech continually with
standing ovations and cries of "Libertad! Libertad!" and "Cuba,
si, Castro, no!"
Bush told them what they wanted to hear: He will not consider easing the
embargo until the country enacts sweeping political and economic reforms.
But there is growing impatience with the 40-year-old embargo in Congress,
and many dismissed Bush's detailed conditions.
Rep. Jeff Flake (news, bio, voting record), who sponsored legislation that
would effectively lift the U.S. ban on travel to Cuba, said the current policies
are "clearly not working."
"After 40 years of a U.S. policy of isolating Cuba, Castro hasn't moved
an inch closer to democracy," Flake said. "There is no reason to
believe that continuing our current policy will hasten that transition."
Sen. Barbara Boxer (news, bio, voting record) said the embargo "has not
accomplished one thing it was meant to accomplish. What a foolish policy it is."
But Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., vice chairman of the House International
Relations Committee, called Bush's firm backing for the embargo "the
correct course for us to take."
Former President Jimmy Carter visited Cuba last week and called for an
easing of the embargo.
Some critics of the Bush doctrine point out that the United States does not
set similar demands on other countries with which it has normal relations.
China, for instance, holds political prisoners, does not allow its citizens
freedom of speech or religion, does not allow opposition parties, does not allow
elections and keeps out most human rights monitors.
Amid the war on terrorism and the Mideast crisis, Bush has sought closer
ties to Saudi Arabia, a monarchy that does not allow its people freedom of
speech or religion, and which does not hold any kind of free elections.
Some Bush administration officials said privately they do not expect Castro
to meet the conditions for lifting the embargo. That is why Bush also proposed a
series of initiatives to improve the plight of people in Cuba, through expanded
work by nongovernment organizations, and to bolster communications with the
island nation through resumption of mail delivery.
Cuba: No Change in Bush Line
Mon May 20, 9:53 Pm Et . By Anita Snow, Associated Press
Writer
HAVANA (AP) - Communist officials said Monday that President Bush 's new
Cuba initiative marked no real change in hard-line policies toward the island,
while leading dissidents feared that continued U.S. trade sanctions could harm
their efforts to force a democratic opening.
"Changes have to be made but changes have to be made on both sides,"
said Vladimiro Roca, who was released from prison earlier this month just two
months short of his five-year sentence.
"Dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation" will help more than
continued tough U.S. policies, Roca said, reacting to Bush's speech Monday in
Washington on Cuba policy. "The prickly relationship between the two
countries ... can hurt our hopes for advancing a transition to democracy."
Cuban officials slammed Bush's statement. "This initiative is not new,"
Rogelio Polanco, editor of the Communist Youth daily Juventud Rebelde, said
during the government's daily "Round Table" television program. The
Cuba policy that Bush described on Monday is "politically obsolete,"
he said.
"It is more of the same of the old and failed policy toward Cuba,"
Polanco said.
Roca and veteran human rights activist Elizardo Sanchez, both of whom
watched coverage of the president's speech on CNN, said that Bush's address was
more moderate than they originally expected.
They said they found several parts of it positive, especially Bush's call
for a resumption of postal service between the two countries and his reference
to the Varela Project reform referendum.
Former President Jimmy Carter also mentioned the Varela Project last week in
an unprecedented live speech to the Cuban people. It was the first time that
most Cubans had ever heard of the petition drive, which has gathered more than
11,000 voters' signatures.
The proposal seeks a national vote on guarantees of civil rights such as
freedom of speech, as well as the right to own a business, an amnesty for
political prisoners and electoral reform. Cuban officials have given little hope
for its success.
"The rest of (Bush's) speech was more of the same, the same prickly
rhetoric from the time of the Cold War that has characterized the relationship
between the countries for 40 years," Sanchez said.
Sanchez added that Bush's address "remained far behind" Carter's.
"Carter's speech reflected the point of view of the great silent
majority in both countries who want better relations," he said.
Both dissidents said they worried that Bush's promise to increase U.S.
government funding for non-governmental groups working with the Cuban people
could undermine their efforts in Cuba.
"Any kind of financial help from any government for our work is
unacceptable," Sanchez said. "That's especially true of a government
such as Washington which has such very bad relations with Cuba."
The Cuban government often tries to discredit human rights and other groups
on the island by accusing them of receiving U.S. government funds, a charge that
opposition groups here regularly deny.
In his address, Bush said he won't heed calls to lift the Cuban trade
embargo unless Fidel Castro releases political prisoners, conducts
independently monitored elections and accepts a list of tough U.S. conditions
for a "new government that is fully democratic."
Bush's speech, which aides said has been in the works since January, came a
week after Carter traveled to Cuba and urged the communist government to embrace
democracy and called on the United States to lift the 40-year-old trade embargo
and restrictions on American travel to the island.
Carter and other critics argue that the restrictions have failed to force a
change in Castro's government while making life tough on ordinary Cubans.
Leading dissidents say Bush's continued hard line against Cuba won't
advance democracy
Mon May 20, 9:40 Pm Et . By Anita Snow, Associated Press
Writer
HAVANA - Communist officials said Monday that President Bush 's new Cuba
initiative marked no real change in hard-line policies toward the island, while
leading dissidents feared that continued U.S. trade sanctions could harm their
efforts to force a democratic opening.
"Changes have to be made but changes have to be made on both sides,"
said Vladimiro Roca, who was released from prison earlier this month just two
months short of his five-year sentence.
"Dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation" will help more than
continued tough U.S. policies, Roca said, reacting to Bush's speech Monday in
Washington on Cuba policy. "The prickly relationship between the two
countries ... can hurt our hopes for advancing a transition to democracy."
Cuban officials slammed Bush's statement. "This initiative is not new,"
Rogelio Polanco, editor of the Communist Youth daily Juventud Rebelde, said
during the government's daily "Round Table" television program. The
Cuba policy that Bush described on Monday is "politically obsolete,"
he said.
"It is more of the same of the old and failed policy toward Cuba,"
Polanco said.
Roca and veteran human rights activist Elizardo Sanchez, both of whom
watched coverage of the president's speech on CNN, said that Bush's address was
more moderate than they originally expected.
They said they found several parts of it positive, especially Bush's call
for a resumption of postal service between the two countries and his reference
to the Varela Project reform referendum.
Former President Jimmy Carter also mentioned the Varela Project last week in
an unprecedented live speech to the Cuban people. It was the first time that
most Cubans had ever heard of the petition drive, which has gathered more than
11,000 voters' signatures.
The proposal seeks a national vote on guarantees of civil rights such as
freedom of speech, as well as the right to own a business, an amnesty for
political prisoners and electoral reform. Cuban officials have given little hope
for its success.
"The rest of (Bush's) speech was more of the same, the same prickly
rhetoric from the time of the Cold War that has characterized the relationship
between the countries for 40 years," Sanchez said.
Sanchez added that Bush's address "remained far behind" Carter's.
"Carter's speech reflected the point of view of the great silent
majority in both countries who want better relations," he said.
Both dissidents said they worried that Bush's promise to increase U.S.
government funding for non-governmental groups working with the Cuban people
could undermine their efforts in Cuba.
"Any kind of financial help from any government for our work is
unacceptable," Sanchez said. "That's especially true of a government
such as Washington which has such very bad relations with Cuba."
The Cuban government often tries to discredit human rights and other groups
on the island by accusing them of receiving U.S. government funds, a charge that
opposition groups here regularly deny.
In his address, Bush said he won't heed calls to lift the Cuban trade
embargo unless Fidel Castro releases political prisoners, conducts
independently monitored elections and accepts a list of tough U.S. conditions
for a "new government that is fully democratic."
Bush's speech, which aides said has been in the works since January, came a
week after Carter traveled to Cuba and urged the communist government to embrace
democracy and called on the United States to lift the 40-year-old trade embargo
and restrictions on American travel to the island.
Carter and other critics argue that the restrictions have failed to force a
change in Castro's government while making life tough on ordinary Cubans. | 
