Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Introduces Resolution Supporting Pro-Democracy Dissidents in Cuba

April 7, 2005

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Introduces Resolution Supporting Pro-Democracy Dissidents in Cuba

WASHINGTON-Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) introduced a congressional resolution (H.Res. 193) in support of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba. This historic meeting of over 360 opposition and civil society organizations will convene on May 20 and focus on bringing democracy and liberty to the enslaved island of Cuba.

"Fidel Castro's dictatorship has incarcerated thousands of political prisoners in Cuba, but he has not and cannot imprison their longing for freedom and democracy," Diaz-Balart said. "This resolution demonstrates and reinforces the United States' support of freedom in Cuba. It urges the international community to support the Assembly and oppose any efforts by the Castro tyrannical regime to punish the organizers or the participants of the Assembly."

Three former political prisoners have heroically organized the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba and will convene an historic meeting for May 20, 2005. More than 30 members have signed onto the bipartisan resolution, including U.S. Reps. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ). The House Committee on International Relations is expected to take up the bill in the coming weeks.
"These courageous dissidents are dedicated to seeing a free Cuba," Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart continued, "and have exerted enormous effort in coordinating the diverse sectors of the Cuban Civil Society."

"Castro's despotism continues to oppose and repress all efforts to bring democracy and human rights to the island of Cuba," Diaz-Balart concluded. "The Assembly is a brave step which simply seeks to bring freedom, democracy and human rights to the oppressed island."

http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2005news/040705_assemblyincuba.htm