[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 28 (Monday, July 19, 1999)]
[Pages 1383-1384]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Review of Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic 
Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996

July 16, 1999

    Today I am notifying the Congress of my decision to suspend for 
another 6 months implementation of provisions of Title III of the Cuban 
Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act that allow legal action against 
firms trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba. I take this action 
because it is in America's national interest and because it will hasten 
the day when the people of Cuba enjoy freedom and democracy.
    I allowed Title III to enter into force in July 1996. It has put 
businesses around the world on notice that by trafficking in 
expropriated American property in Cuba, they risk significant liability 
in the United States. Coupled with aggressive implementation of Title IV 
of the law, this provision has helped deter such activities.
    Since 1996, I have exercised the authority provided by the law to 
suspend the right to file suit. This has enabled the United States, in 
efforts led by Under Secretary of State Eizenstat, to work 
constructively with our friends and allies for the promotion of freedom 
and democracy in Cuba.
    During this last 6-month period, friends and allies, in both word 
and deed, have steadily increased pressure on the Cuban Government to 
respect human rights and move toward democracy. Many national leaders 
have publicly and privately pressed senior Cuban officials on the need 
for reform. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights passed a 
resolution, sponsored by Poland and the Czech Republic, condemning Cuban 
human rights abuses. The European Union renewed its Common Position, 
committing member countries to take concrete steps to promote democracy 
in Cuba. A number of nongovernmental organizations have also increased 
support to democratic groups on the island.
    The Cuban Government's disgraceful human rights record underscores 
the need for our coordinated international strategy. Showing disdain for 
universally recognized human rights, the Government in February 
promulgated a draconian law that criminalizes a wide range of democratic 
activities, including any journalism independent of the state. After a 
closed trial in March, the regime sentenced four courageous leaders of 
the ``Internal Dissident Working Group'' to harsh prison sentences 
merely for speaking out about their nation's future. International 
condemnation of these acts has been clear and swift. Countries long 
eager for warm relations with the Castro regime have clearly reassessed 
the wisdom of that approach.
    The growing international consensus on the need for concrete steps 
to promote democracy in Cuba gives us confidence that our multilateral 
strategy is working. It is sending a strong message to the Cuban 
Government that the time for change is now--and a strong message to the 
Cuban people that we stand with them in their efforts to build a 
democratic future. I once again pledge my administration's strongest 
efforts to work with our friends and hasten the day when our Cuban 
brothers and sisters enjoy the rights and freedoms that we all cherish.

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