[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 21 (Monday, May 25, 1998)]
[Pages 933-934]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Radio Remarks on Cuban Independence Day

May 20, 1998

    I want to say hello to all listeners of Radio Marti. On behalf of 
the people of the United States, I offer you warmest wishes on this 
Cuban Independence Day.
    The United States is determined to help Cuba achieve a peaceful 
transition to democracy. And as part of our effort, I announced in March 
that the U.S. would permit direct humanitarian flights, transfers of 
money from families in the United States to relatives in Cuba, and 
streamline procedures for the sale of medicines to your country.
    These steps are aimed at building on Pope John Paul's historic visit 
to Cuba, increasing humanitarian relief and supporting the role of the 
church and other elements of civil society. We're committed to helping 
Cuba's courageous democracy and human rights advocates as they work for 
a brighter future. We continue to be concerned about those who languish 
in Cuban jails. We urge the Cuban Government to release all political 
prisoners and reintegrate them into Cuban society.
    Cubans will never be free until Cubans are free to speak out and 
organize for fundamental change. We send you a message of hope; we must 
work together to promote freedom

[[Page 934]]

in the only country in our hemisphere which does not yet enjoy it. I 
believe the Cuban people want democracy and that they will relish it and 
prosper in every realm--political, economic, and cultural--once they are 
free.
    Before I sign off, let me congratulate the Office of Cuba 
Broadcasting, home to Radio and TV Marti, as it begins broadcasting from 
its new headquarters in Miami today. Here, closer to their listeners, 
Radio and TV Marti will continue to bring information, hope, and 
encouragement to the people of Cuba.
    My best wishes to all of you, and thank you for listening.

Note: The President's remarks were taped at approximately 11:30 a.m. in 
the Oval Office at the White House for later broadcast and were 
embargoed by the Office of the Press Secretary until 1:30 p.m. A tape 
was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.