[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 9 (Monday, March 5, 2007)]
[Page 237]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Death of 
Mario Chanes de Armas

March 1, 2007

    Cuban patriot Mario Chanes de Armas was a political prisoner of the 
Castro regime for 30 years, one of the longest sentences of any 
political prisoner in the world. Like so many Cubans, he sought a 
democratic Cuban society only to see his quest betrayed by a Castro 
dictatorship. Mario Chanes was one of the original plantados, Cuban 
political prisoners who were unyielding in their fervent desire for a 
free Cuba. His patriotism and strong sense of purpose are examples to 
all freedom-loving people. Laura joins me in sending our thoughts and 
prayers to his family and friends.

Note: The statement referred to President Fidel Castro of Cuba.