August 30, 2008
Secretary Gutierrez Condemns Actions Taken By Cuban Regime
Commerce News
August 30
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on reports that Cuban security forces beat several peaceful protestors during a music concert in Havana . The security forces attacked the concert-goers for unveiling a sign calling for the release of rock musician Gorki Aguila and leading a chant of “Gorki, Gorki, Gorki,” among those attending the concert. According to press reports, one of Aguila’s fellow band members was arrested, while the other protestors were forced to flee into the crowd to avoid further injury.Thursday’s peaceful protest was in response to the arrest of rock musician Gorki Aguila, Monday, on charges of “dangerousness,” “pre-delinquent behavior,” and behavior “contrary to the standards of the communist morality.” Aguila, who uses his music to denounce the regime’s repressive policies, was tried Friday and fined the equivalent of $28, which is approximately more than a month’s salary for an average Cuban.
“We condemn the regime’s violent attack on peaceful concert-goers and arrest of Mr. Aguila. These actions are clearly contrary to the UN covenant Cuba recently signed, which recognized the right to freedom of expression.* Mr. Aguila was unjustly detained and charged. The Castro regime has an obligation to respect the human rights of the Cuban people. These rights include free speech. The Castro regime must stop denying Cubans their rights.”
*The Cuban regime recently signed the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which specifies in Article 19 that “everyone shall have the right of freedom of expression.”
Secretary Gutierrez co-chairs the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a U.S. Cabinet-level commission formed to explore ways the United States can help hasten and ease a democratic transition in Cuba .
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Posted by Ziva at August 30, 2008 04:38 PM
Comments
I am consistently torn by Secretary's Gutierrez's statements on Cuba. First there is no doubt that his succinct and eloquent releases are the most forceful and convincing condemnations of the current regime. I certainly hope that upon leaving office that he remain involved in the fight for a free Cuba. On the other hand his statements have little or nothing to do with his current position in government and plays to the stereotype that all Cuban politicians are obsessed with Cuba (see David Rivera). As important as the Gorki issue was and the Oscar Biscet issue remains - Americans want a Commerce Secretary focused on the issues and needs of Americans during these times of economic turmoil, not in a disturbance 90 miles away.
Posted by: theCardinal
at August 30, 2008 11:35 PM
Cardinal: Secretary Gutierrez co-chairs the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a U.S. Cabinet-level commission, and as such is on target commenting about events in Cuba. As for the economic turmoil are you referring to the 3.3% annual growth rate just recorded. It's a slowdown, I would hardly describe use the word turmoil. I personally do not know anyone who is out of work, or suffering depravation due to the slowdown. How about you, how have you personally been effected?
Posted by: Ziva Sahl
Considering that I knew the stats I shouldn't have used the words "turmoil"... uncertainty is better. And yes I noticed in the release that he slipped that the commission in there...the truth of the matter is that I would prefer Condi commenting on this. By having his name on the release it becomes an issue being driven by Cuban-American exiles. I don't have a problem with the issue being raised or with the release I just want someone else's name on it. We're being relegated to a political ghetto, it's no different than how the Dems use blacks.
Posted by: theCardinal
whatever..i want to go home to my country..i have had enough of this 52 years.
Posted by: cuba1956
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