Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS |
Friday, June 6, 2008 |
202-482-4883 |
Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Reports of “Cambio” Repression in Cuba
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement regarding reports of repression directed at Cubans wearing “Cambio” bracelets:
“Each day brings continued news of repression in Cuba. Wednesday, it was reported that recently a young female student was brutally beaten and expelled for wearing a ‘Cambio’ bracelet. This is the reality of Cuba. I and many others will continue to wear our ‘Cambio’ bracelets until Cubans are free.”
“Cambio” bracelets, using the Spanish word for change, are worn by individuals in Cuba and all over the world who support a free and democratic Cuba.
Secretary Gutierrez co-chairs with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, a U.S. Cabinet-level commission formed to explore ways the United States can help hasten and ease a democratic transition in Cuba.
Secretary Gutierrez is in St. Petersburg, Russia to discuss U.S.-Russian bilateral trade and to address the 12th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 7. Prior to arriving in St. Petersburg, Secretary Gutierrez visited Kyiv, Ukraine and Prague, Czech Republic.