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The United States says that it will once more be calling for the release of all Cuban political prisoners and a repeal of all measures that allow the Cuban Government to arrest citizens for carrying out peaceful protests.According to a statement from the local US embassy, it will today celebrate the courage and determination of the Cuban people as they seek their freedom and voice in establishing a democratic future for their country.鈥淥n this day, in the U.S. and elsewhere, we will commemorate a Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People.鈥滳ubans need to know that they have international support in their struggle for freedom and human rights, as the people in Central Europe, Chile, and South Africa once did,Ben Roethlisberger Steelers Jersey, the statement said.There has been much talk in the media about the recent changes that have been announced in Cuba,Steve Grogan Patriots Jersey, the embassy noted.鈥淵es, Raul Castro replaced his brother in some of his positions of authority,Jack Lambert Steelers Jersey, but through a process in which Cuba鈥檚 citizens had no say. And yes, Cubans can now buy cell phones and microwave ovens and stay in five star hotels. While Cubans may welcome such changes,DeAngelo Williams Steelers Jersey, they are no doubt hoping for much more.鈥淲ith the average monthly wage in Cuba at less then US$20, these items are still largely out of reach and won鈥檛 let Cubans do what citizens in other countries in the Americas are doing: seizing the opportunity provided by open societies and open markets.鈥滺owever, according to the statement, the sad fact is that Cuba鈥檚 citizens still live in a repressive state, as they have for almost half a century. Last December, Cuban authorities stormed a Catholic church,Rob Gronkowski Patriots Jersey, tear-gassed parishioners, and dragged eighteen worshipers out.A Catholic official called the episode 鈥渢he worst attack against a church in 45 years.鈥� And just a few weeks ago, the 鈥淟adies in White,鈥� who march peacefully each Sunday on behalf of freedom for their unjustly imprisoned loved ones, were beaten and dragged away from the 鈥� Plaza of the Revolution鈥� when they sought to deliver a petition to their government asking for the release of political prisoners.鈥淚s this change? So how will we know when an enduring process of democratic change is underway on the island? We will know there is a new Cuba when Cubans have the freedom to organize,Antonio Brown Steelers Jersey, assemble, and speak their minds.鈥淲e will know there is a new Cuba when a free and independent press has the power to operate without censors. We will know there is a new Cuba when the Cuban government allows Cubans to open their own businesses and improve the economic well-being of their families.鈥滱bove all, the embassy said, it will be known when there is at least a start towards a new Cuba when the regime releases its political prisoners and engages the Cuban people in an open and comprehensive dialogue about the future of their country.鈥淪olidarity with the Cuban people means supporting their struggle to obtain all the freedoms enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as those in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Cuba recently signed the latter agreement,Merril Hoge Steelers Jersey, but when will the government鈥檚 actions comport with their commitments?鈥淎s any Cuban political prisoner can attest, the Cuban state hasn鈥檛 implemented the provision that says: 鈥淣o one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel,Jared Cook Packers Jersey, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.鈥滻ndeed, Cubans have been arrested and foreigners expelled for handing out copies of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights itself.鈥淥n May 21, the United States Government will join in solidarity with the Cuban people, particularly the prisoners of conscience on the island who remain behind bars,Devonta Freeman Falcons Jersey,鈥� the embassy added yesterday. |
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