[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 28 (Monday, July 16, 2001)]
[Pages 1036-1037]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement: Toward a Democratic Cuba

July 13, 2001

    Seven years ago today a tugboat carrying 72 people off the coast of 
Cuba, the 13 de Marzo, was repeatedly rammed by Cuban authorities 
resulting in 41 deaths, including 10 children. On this sad anniversary, 
the United States extends condolences to the families and survivors of 
this tragedy. The tyranny that rules Cuba today bears direct 
responsibility for this and other crimes--crimes, that should not go 
unpunished, against innocent civilians, and countless other human rights 
violations over the years.
    As I said on Cuban Independence Day, the sanctions the United States 
enforces against the Castro regime are not just a policy tool but a 
moral statement. It is wrong to prop up a regime that routinely stifles 
all the freedoms that make us human. The United States stands opposed to 
such tyranny and will oppose any attempt to weaken sanctions against the 
Castro regime until it respects the basic human rights of its citizens, 
frees political prisoners, holds democratic free elections, and allows 
free speech.
    In order to manage more effectively the sanctions against the Cuban 
regime and enforce the Federal regulations governing the embargo, I have 
asked the Treasury Department to enhance and expand the enforcement 
capabilities of the Office of Foreign Assets Control in this area. It is 
important that we uphold and enforce the law to the fullest extent with 
a view toward preventing unlicensed and excessive travel, enforcing 
limits on remittances, and ensuring humanitarian and cultural exchanges 
actually reach pro-democracy activists in Cuba.
    In addition, I will expand support for human rights activists and 
the democratic opposition, and we will provide additional funding for 
nongovernmental organizations to work on pro-democracy programs in Cuba.

[[Page 1037]]

Focusing our support on activities that promote democratic values will 
go a long way toward accelerating the democratic transition of Cuba.
    Finally, it gives me great pleasure to announce the Director, Office 
of Cuba Broadcasting, Mr. Salvador Lew, a well-respected journalist and 
member of the Advisory Board for Cuba Broadcasting. I have told Mr. Lew 
that my number one priority is to make sure that Radio and TV Marti are 
broadcast clearly to Cuba allowing every Cuban citizen access to 
accurate news and information. In order to do that, I have instructed 
him to use all available means to overcome the jamming of Radio and TV 
Marti. Once we open the flow of information, the demands for freedom 
will ring stronger than ever.