[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 73 (Monday, May 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CUBAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, today I wish to commemorate 
the 110th anniversary of Cuba's independence. On May 20, 1902, after a 
series of rebellions against foreign rule, Cuba finally gained its 
freedom from the Spanish empire. I am honored to join with Cubans 
around the world in commemorating this day.
  At the same time, we must remember that the island nation still 
remains under the tyranny of an authoritarian regime. We can never 
forget that the Castro regime continues to jail its political 
opponents, and it still holds an American hostage. Once again, I rise 
today to urge the Cuban regime in the strongest possible terms to 
immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Alan Gross.
  Today, we reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Cuba. Now more 
than ever, the United States must continue policies that promote 
respect for the fundamental principles of political freedom, democracy, 
and human rights, in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the 
people of Cuba.

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