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House Passes Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart's Resolution Supporting Pro-Democracy Efforts in Cuba

Date: May 10, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs


House Passes Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart's Resolution Supporting Pro-Democracy Efforts in Cuba
May 10, 2005

WASHINGTON-Today the House of Representatives passed Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart's (R-FL) congressional resolution (H.Res. 193) expressing support for the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba. This historic meeting of over 360 opposition and civil society organizations will convene on May 20 and focus on bringing democracy and liberty to the enslaved island of Cuba.

"The House today voiced its strong support for democracy and freedom," Diaz-Balart said. "Tyranny is never acceptable, especially when it festers just 90 miles from our shores. The United States will always commend and endorse those who love freedom and liberty.

"Fidel Castro's dictatorship has incarcerated thousands of political prisoners in Cuba, but he has not and cannot imprison their longing for freedom and democracy," Diaz-Balart continued. "This resolution demonstrates and reinforces the United States' support of freedom in Cuba. It urges the international community to support the Assembly and oppose any efforts by the Castro tyrannical regime to punish the organizers or the participants of the Assembly."

Three former political prisoners have heroically organized the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba and will convene an historic meeting for May 20, 2005. More than 50 members had signed onto the bipartisan resolution, including U.S. Reps. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ).

"These courageous former political prisoners are dedicated to seeing a free Cuba," Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart concluded, "and have exerted enormous effort in coordinating the diverse sectors of the Cuban Civil Society. Castro's despotism continues to oppose and repress all efforts to bring democracy and human rights to the island of Cuba. The Assembly is a brave step which simply seeks to bring freedom, democracy and human rights to the oppressed island."

http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2005news/051005_cubaresolution.htm

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