    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [January 3, 1997]
    [Pages 1-2]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Review of Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic
    Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996
    January 3, 1997

        Last July, I allowed title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic
    Solidarity Act (LIBERTAD Act) to come into force but suspended for 6
    months the right it grants to American nationals to bring suit against
    foreign firms trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba. I took this
    step so that we could have time to develop a more common approach with
    our allies and trading partners to promote democracy, human rights, and
    fundamental freedoms in Cuba. We and our allies agree on the vital need
    for a transition to democracy on the island, but differences over how to
    achieve that aim have often overshadowed the goal itself. That is why I
    decided to make maximum use of title III to increase pressure on the
    Castro regime by working with our allies--not against them--to
    accelerate change in Cuba.
        Over the past 6 months, our efforts have yielded real progress.
    Thanks to the tireless efforts of Under Secretary of Commerce Stuart
    Eizenstat, who serves as my Special Representative for the Promotion of
    Democracy in Cuba, the international community is more united behind the
    cause of freedom in Cuba than ever

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    before in the 38-year history of Castro's oppressive regime.
        Today, in order to consolidate and build on the momentum we have
    generated for democratic change in Cuba, I have decided to extend for
    another 6 months the suspension of the right to file suit under title
    III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act.
        A number of developments show the strengthened international
    consensus for change in Cuba. The European Union, acting consistent with
    its traditional democratic values, in December adopted an historic
    ``Common Position'' binding all 15 member nations to promote democracy
    and reform in Cuba. The EU's action explicitly makes any improvement in
    political or economic relations with Cuba contingent on concrete
    advances in human rights and political freedoms on the island. At the
    Ibero-American Summit in Santiago in November, heads of state from Latin
    America, Spain, and Portugal called for democracy and full respect for
    human rights, thus emphasizing Cuba's isolation as the hemisphere's only
    nondemocratic nation.
        Governments and nongovernmental organizations are increasing their
    backing for dissidents on the island and keeping international attention
    focused on repression in Cuba. A new European Platform for Human Rights
    and Democracy in Cuba is being created to help coordinate NGO activity
    to strengthen independent groups in Cuba. European business leaders and
    organizations are supporting a set of best business practices so, if
    they invest in Cuba, it will benefit Cuban workers and not the
    government. Europe's major labor organization, the International
    Confederation of Free Trade Unions, has strongly condemned Castro's
    labor practices and called for free trade unions.
        These and other steps have sent a clarion message of hope to the
    Cuban people. They underscore that it is Castro who is isolated, not
    those who welcome the democratic tide of history. They demonstrate the
    international community's resolve to end the dictatorship so the people
    of Cuba can enjoy the freedom and prosperity they deserve.
        The international momentum we have built to promote democracy in
    Cuba must be preserved and strengthened. During the coming 6 months and
    thereafter, we will continue working with our allies to develop the most
    comprehensive, effective measures to promote democracy in Cuba that we
    can. We also will continue to enforce title IV of the LIBERTAD Act.
        The law requires that I review title III every 6 months. I would
    expect to continue suspending the right to file suit so long as
    America's friends and allies continue their stepped-up efforts to
    promote a transition to democracy in Cuba. I hope, furthermore, that the
    momentum created by the EU's actions will lead to similar Cuba democracy
    efforts by others, including governments in our own hemisphere.
        The Cuban people have lived under tyranny for too long. We must
    sustain our efforts to hasten the arrival of democracy in Cuba. As a
    result of increasing international pressure, we have never been closer
    to that day. We will not be satisfied until that day arrives.