[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.

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