Press Release

Secretary Gutierrez Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Help Cubans Achieve Political and Economic Liberty

Gutierrez Says New "Compact with the People of Cuba" is a Message of Hope and Reassurance to Cubans on the Island

CORAL GABLES, Fla.—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today reaffirmed the United States ' commitment to providing aid to the Cuban people and a new transition Cuban government by highlighting the Compact with the People of Cuba that he and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice presented on behalf of President Bush last week.

Gutierrez was joined by U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-Florida) and Caleb McCarry, the Cuba Transition Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, (FL-18), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21) and Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) also participated in the day's events. The Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba is co-chaired by Secretary Gutierrez and Secretary Rice.

In remarks delivered to members of the Cuba Democracy Advocates in Coral Gables, Florida, Gutierrez discussed how the Compact with the Cuban People is a statement of principles to reassure Cubans that the United States stands with them in their desire for freedom. Gutierrez distributed laminated pocket copies of the Compact to the members of the Cuba Democracy Advocates and others present in the audience.

Gutierrez also highlighted the Second Report of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba that includes specific recommendations for assistance and programs the United States can offer to advance freedom and democracy in Cuba, including $80 million over two years to increase support for Cuban civil society, expand international awareness, break the regime's information blockade, and continue developing assistance initiatives to help Cuban civil society realize a democratic transition.

While in Miami, Gutierrez also participated in a roundtable discussion with local Cuban community leaders and toured the studios of and conducted an interview with TV Marti, which broadcasts news and current affairs in Spanish to Cuba.

Excerpts from Secretary Gutierrez's speech to the Cuba Democracy Advocates:
"...Over the past several decades, the Western Hemisphere has seen a steady march toward freedom. Only Cuba has moved backward.

"...History will judge Castro's leadership as one of the world's biggest failures."

"...In the land of Jose Marti, there is no liberty."

"...Under President Bush's leadership, the United States is keeping our promise to support the rights of the Cuban people to define a future of freedom and democracy for themselves and their country."

"...The Compact affirms our commitment to provide aid in areas such as food and medicine, economic recovery, and free and fair elections."

"...he people of Cuba have a choice: economic and political freedom and opportunity or more political repression and economic suffering under the current regime."

"...We pledge to help them attain political and economic liberty."

"...And let me be very clear: The United States and our citizens pose no threat to the security or the homes of the Cuban people."

"...President Bush is determined to stand with the Cuban people. He is determined to prevent any future continuation of the current regime from claiming legitimacy."

"...The people of Cuba have suffered too much and for too long. They deserve so much more than what they have today."