Martinez and Fellow Members Lauch Congressional Cuba Democracy Caucus

MARTINEZ AND FELLOW MEMBERS LAUNCH CONGRESSIONAL CUBA DEMOCRACY CAUCUS

Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today joined several members of Congress to announce the launch of the Congressional Cuba Democracy Caucus (CCDC). The group is the first of its kind -- the first ever, bi-partisan, bi-cameral group to promote proactive policies and discussion in the hastening of Cuba's transition to a free and democratic society.

"The CCDC will help bring more attention to the issues surrounding a transition to a free Cuba in Congress. It will give us the opportunity to educate our colleagues about the severity of the oppressive Cuban government and the human rights violations that are keeping the Cuban people from being free.

"Democracy is achievable by sharing information and communication. One of the main principles included in the Agenda is a free flow of information through Radio and TV Marti and should be broadcast clearly to Cuba allowing every Cuban citizen access to accurate news and information. The deployment of the C-130 airborne platform for the transmission of TV and Radio Marti has been a successful tool in achieving this goal.

"The U.S. Interests Section in Havana reports an increased enthusiasm from the Cuban population, as the Cuban government's attempts to scramble transmissions have become much less effective. In the face of the Castro regime's anti-American efforts, the power of Radio and TV Marti should be increased.

"The ten principles laid out today are a roadmap to a free and democratic Cuba. We have our work cut out for us, but with one common goal of democracy- we will be able to pave the way for the future of the Cuban people."

http://martinez.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=246&Month=4&Year=2005