With Obama Administration Granting Visa To Cuban Dictator's Granddaughter, Ros-Lehtinen Says These Diplomatic Overtures Do Nothing To Advance The Cause Of Freedom & Liberty In Communist Cuba

Statement

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) issued the following statement on reports that Cuban dictator Raul Castro's granddaughter was granted a visa by the Obama Administration and is currently in New York City.

Said Ros-Lehtinen, "It is shameful that this Administration continues to placate the dictators in Havana as they increase their hate and violent repression against the Cuban people. Granting visas to members of the Castro family insults the Cuban exile community that knows firsthand that the Castro regime has zero interest in implementing democratic reforms; their only goal is maintaining their stranglehold over the Cuban nation.

These diplomatic overtures do nothing to advance the cause of freedom and liberty of the Cuban people. So while the dictator's granddaughter parades herself in Manhattan enjoying the benefits that our free democracy offers, Cuban pro democracy activist Antonio Rodiles remains unjustly detained after being beaten by Castro's henchmen. Amnesty International has issued an urgent appeal regarding this brave freedom fighter's fate asking responsible nations to call for the immediate release of Mr. Rodiles.

I urge the Obama Administration to cease its appeasement of the Castro dynasty and enact policies that will advance the cause of human rights in Cuba, not solidify the Castro families hold on power."

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