    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [January 13, 2009]
    [Pages 1570-1571]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Cuba
    January 13, 2009

        As much of the world celebrates the dawning of a new year, Cuba
    marks 50 years of one of the cruelest dictatorships this hemisphere has
    witnessed.
        To those who yearn for liberty, all is not lost. The world has
    witnessed other instances of dictatorship, but has ultimately seen those
    regimes fall and formerly enslaved countries embrace their birthright of
    freedom. One day, the people of Cuba will enjoy this same blessing.
        This message of hope is directed especially to those who have made
    pleas for freedom only to be silenced by tyranny and oppression:
    individuals like Oscar Elias Biscet, Luis Enrique Ferrer, Ricardo Gonzalez, Jose Luis Garcia Paneque, and many others. It is equally intended for the families
    of such prisoners, who dearly miss their loved ones and continue to
    suffer oppression at the hands of the regime. The American people admire
    the courage of these families and the emerging civil society movement,
    reflected in the existence of groups like the Damas de Blanco, who stand
    up for the fundamental human rights bestowed by our Creator.
        As long as there are people who fight for liberty, the United States
    will stand with them and speak out for those whose voices have been
    temporarily silenced. All Cubans have the right to be treated with
    dignity, so that they can rise as high as their talents and hard work
    will take them. This is the standard my administration and past
    administrations--regardless of political affiliation--have expected from
    the Cuban Government as the condition for improved relations.
        My administration has continually challenged the Cuban Government to
    bring genuine political and economic changes and improve human rights
    and has made it clear that the United States stands prepared to respond
    to any request for assistance from a Cuba that transitions to democracy.
    The Castro regime's response to our offers
    has been continued repression of the Cuban people.
        Throughout my Presidency, the plight of Cuba has been close to my
    heart. My sincere wish has been for the proud people of Cuba to take
    their rightful place in the community of democratic, freedom-loving
    nations.
        Laura and I send our Cuban hermanos y
    hermanas a message of peace and love. May God bless you and continue to
    give you the faith and courage to fight for the day when the light of
    liberty will shine on the people of Cuba.

    [[Page 1571]]