Press Release

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on EU Decision to Lift Sanctions on Cuba

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement after the EU decision to lift sanctions on Cuba:

“We recognize the EU’s commitment to call upon the Cuban Government to improve their human rights situation by releasing all political prisoners, to grant international humanitarian organizations access to Cuban prisons and to ratify and implement the recently signed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“It is important for the world’s democracies to support Cubans who continue to risk their lives and safety by standing up to the regime and assure them that they are not alone as they fight for freedom for all political prisoners and respect for human rights.”

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.