    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 16, 1997]
    [Page 962]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 962]]

    Statement on Action on Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic
    Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996
    July 16, 1997

        Today I am notifying the Congress of my decision to suspend for 6
    more months the right of U.S. citizens to file suit against foreign
    firms trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba. This decision is
    consistent with my strong commitment to implement the Cuban Liberty and
    Democratic Solidarity Act (LIBERTAD Act) in a way that best serves our
    national interest and hastens a peaceful transition to democracy in
    Cuba.
        I have invoked this waiver for the past year in order to continue
    strengthening cooperation with our friends and allies toward our shared
    goal of ending Cuba's 38 years of oppression. Thanks to the efforts of
    Stuart Eizenstat--my Special Representative for the Promotion of
    Democracy in Cuba and now Under Secretary of State--we have made
    significant progress. We are forging an international consensus on
    concrete steps to clear the way for a new era of democracy and
    prosperity for the people of Cuba.
        I said in January that I expected to continue suspending this
    provision of title III of the LIBERTAD Act so long as our partners
    continued their stepped-up efforts to promote a democratic transition in
    Cuba. My decision today to renew the suspension reflects the sustained
    progress that has been made over the past 6 months and my expectation of
    further advances in the future. Just 2 weeks ago, the European Union
    (EU) formally renewed its commitment to the historic Common Position it
    adopted last December. This agreement binds all 15 EU member nations to
    make any improvement in relations with Cuba dependent on concrete
    advances in human rights and political freedoms on the island. EU member
    states have broadened their contacts with human rights activists and
    independent groups in Cuba. Furthermore, after careful consultation with
    the Congress, the United States and the EU reached an understanding on
    April 11 to develop international disciplines to inhibit and deter the
    acquisition of confiscated properties or any dealings involving them.
        Key countries in Europe and, increasingly, Central and South America
    have made clear that they are no longer conducting ``business as usual''
    with the Castro government. Instead, their leaders are pressing for the
    release of political prisoners, free elections, economic reform, and
    other measures that will help the Cuban people achieve the fundamental
    political and economic freedoms they deserve. Major European political
    parties met in The Netherlands for the first time to promote freedom and
    human rights in Cuba and issued a strong declaration urging Castro to
    democratize Cuba.
        Nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) have also risen to the
    challenge. European NGO's have made pathbreaking strides to increase
    international support for change in Cuba and provided unprecedented
    support to prodemocracy activists on the island. Business and labor
    groups are formulating ``best business'' practices for firms investing
    in Cuba. While the United States discourages investment in Cuba, we hope
    that those who do invest there will foster respect for basic workers'
    rights and improvements in working conditions.
        We have continued to enforce vigorously title IV of the LIBERTAD
    Act, denying entrance into the U.S to directors of several foreign firms
    that traffic in confiscated properties in Cuba. As a result, several
    firms have withdrawn from investments and contracts in Cuba and are
    reassessing future investments. The United States will continue
    enforcing title IV during the negotiations of binding international
    disciplines as called for in the U.S.-EU understanding. The
    administration will consult further with the Congress concerning
    authority to waive title IV if the investment guidelines have been
    agreed upon and implemented.
        We are making real progress in strengthening the international
    effort to bring democracy to Cuba. The Cuban people and the Castro
    regime hear the message more clearly than ever. The international
    community is committed to seeing freedom reach Cuba's shores and the
    Cuban people assume their rightful place in the family of democratic
    nations.