[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.