    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 16, 1999]
    [Page 1232]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1232]]

    Statement on Review of Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic
    Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996
    July 16, 1999

        Today I am notifying the Congress of my decision to suspend for
    another 6 months implementation of provisions of Title III of the Cuban
    Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act that allow legal action against
    firms trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba. I take this action
    because it is in America's national interest and because it will hasten
    the day when the people of Cuba enjoy freedom and democracy.
        I allowed Title III to enter into force in July 1996. It has put
    businesses around the world on notice that by trafficking in
    expropriated American property in Cuba, they risk significant liability
    in the United States. Coupled with aggressive implementation of Title IV
    of the law, this provision has helped deter such activities.
        Since 1996, I have exercised the authority provided by the law to
    suspend the right to file suit. This has enabled the United States, in
    efforts led by Under Secretary of State Eizenstat, to work
    constructively with our friends and allies for the promotion of freedom
    and democracy in Cuba.
        During this last 6-month period, friends and allies, in both word
    and deed, have steadily increased pressure on the Cuban Government to
    respect human rights and move toward democracy. Many national leaders
    have publicly and privately pressed senior Cuban officials on the need
    for reform. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights passed a
    resolution, sponsored by Poland and the Czech Republic, condemning Cuban
    human rights abuses. The European Union renewed its common position,
    committing member countries to take concrete steps to promote democracy
    in Cuba. A number of nongovernmental organizations have also increased
    support to democratic groups on the island.
        The Cuban Government's disgraceful human rights record underscores
    the need for our coordinated international strategy. Showing disdain for
    universally recognized human rights, the Government in February
    promulgated a draconian law that criminalizes a wide range of democratic
    activities, including any journalism independent of the state. After a
    closed trial in March, the regime sentenced four courageous leaders of
    the internal dissident working group to harsh prison sentences merely
    for speaking out about their nation's future. International condemnation
    of these acts has been clear and swift. Countries long eager for warm
    relations with the Castro regime have clearly reassessed the wisdom of
    that approach.
        The growing international consensus on the need for concrete steps
    to promote democracy in Cuba gives us confidence that our multilateral
    strategy is working. It is sending a strong message to the Cuban
    Government that the time for change is now and a strong message to the
    Cuban people that we stand with them in their efforts to build a
    democratic future. I once again pledge my administration's strongest
    efforts to work with our friends and hasten the day when our Cuban
    brothers and sisters enjoy the rights and freedoms that we all cherish.