Compact with the People of Cuba
PDF version Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba
Washington, DC
July 10, 2006
"…All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country." -- President George W. Bush
The people of Cuba have a choice: economic and political freedom and opportunity - - or more political repression and economic suffering under the current regime.
The United States stands ready to work with the Cuban people to attain political and economic liberty.
We recognize that a broad consensus for democracy exists among the Cuban community, both those on the island and those in exile, as witnessed by the 1998 Agreement for Democracy.
We pledge to help the Cuban people, and a new transition Cuban government, as you move away from a totalitarian communist dictatorship and toward a free and representative democracy.
Cubans who want democratic change should count on our friendship and support. We share the Cuban dream of a better tomorrow for their families and themselves.
To support a Cuban transition government we pledge to:
- Provide emergency food, water, fuel, and medical equipment and help ensure that these vital supplies are rapidly distributed throughout Cuba;
- Help ensure that electrical power is maintained, and improved as quickly as possible;
- Help rebuild your shattered economy;
- Respect the right of the Cuban people to be secure in their homes;
- Encourage assistance from other countries, associations and private companies; and
- Discourage third parties from intervening to obstruct the will of the Cuban people.
We will do all this and more provided we are asked by a Cuban transition government that is committed to dismantling all instruments of state repression, implementing internationally respected human rights and fundamental freedoms, including:
- Guaranteeing the rights of free speech, freedom of the press and freedom of worship;
- Legalizing all peaceful political activity;
- Releasing all political prisoners;
- Establishing an independent judiciary;
- Allowing the creation of independent trade unions and independent social, economic, and political associations;
- Ensuring the right to private property; and
- Organizing free and fair elections for a democratically elected new Cuban government within a period of no more than 18 months.
