[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 45, Number 2 (Monday, January 19, 2009)]
[Pages 70-71]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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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