    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 13, 2001]
    [Pages 848-849]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement: Toward a Democratic Cuba
    July 13, 2001

        Seven years ago today a tugboat carrying 72 people off the coast of
    Cuba, the 13 de Marzo, was repeatedly rammed by Cuban authorities,
    resulting in 41 deaths, including 10 children. On this sad anniversary,
    the United States extends condolences to the families and survivors of
    this tragedy. The tyranny that rules Cuba today bears

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    direct responsibility for this and other crimes--crimes, that should not
    go unpunished, against innocent civilians, and countless other human
    rights violations over the years.
        As I said on Cuban Independence Day, the sanctions the United States
    enforces against the Castro regime are not just
    a policy tool but a moral statement. It is wrong to prop up a regime
    that routinely stifles all the freedoms that make us human. The United
    States stands opposed to such tyranny and will oppose any attempt to
    weaken sanctions against the Castro regime until it respects the basic
    human rights of its citizens, frees political prisoners, holds
    democratic free elections, and allows free speech.
        In order to manage more effectively the sanctions against the Cuban
    regime and enforce the Federal regulations governing the embargo, I have
    asked the Treasury Department to enhance and expand the enforcement
    capabilities of the Office of Foreign Assets Control in this area. It is
    important that we uphold and enforce the law to the fullest extent with
    a view toward preventing unlicensed and excessive travel, enforcing
    limits on remittances, and ensuring humanitarian and cultural exchanges
    actually reach pro-democracy activists in Cuba.
        In addition, I will expand support for human rights activists and
    the democratic opposition, and we will provide additional funding for
    nongovernmental organizations to work on pro-democracy programs in Cuba.
    Focusing our support on activities that promote democratic values will
    go a long way toward accelerating the democratic transition of Cuba.
        Finally, it gives me great pleasure to announce the Director, Office
    of Cuba Broadcasting, Mr. Salvador Lew, a well-
    respected journalist and member of the Advisory Board for Cuba
    Broadcasting. I have told Mr. Lew that my number one priority is to make
    sure that Radio and TV Marti are broadcast clearly to Cuba allowing
    every Cuban citizen access to accurate news and information. In order to
    do that, I have instructed him to use all available means to overcome
    the jamming of Radio and TV Marti. Once we open the flow of information,
    the demands for freedom will ring stronger than ever.