    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 1, 2007]
    [Page 212]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Mario Chanes de Armas
    March 1, 2007

        Cuban patriot Mario Chanes de Armas was a political prisoner of the
    Castro regime for 30 years, one of the longest sentences of any
    political prisoner in the world. Like so many Cubans, he sought a
    democratic Cuban society only to see his quest betrayed by a Castro
    dictatorship. Mario Chanes was one of the original plantados, Cuban
    political prisoners who were unyielding in their fervent desire for a
    free Cuba. His patriotism and strong sense of purpose are examples to
    all freedom-loving people. Laura joins me in
    sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

    Note: The statement referred to President Fidel Castro Ruz of Cuba.