(U.S. sanctions aimed at promoting transition to democracy)
October 14, 1998
UNITED NATIONS -- Economic sanctions against Cuba are "but one element of a broad policy aimed at promoting a peaceful transition to democracy," U.S. Ambassador Peter Burleigh said October 14.
In a speech to the U.N. General Assembly, Burleigh, the charge d'affaires of the U.S. delegation, said that instead of criticizing U.S. policy the international community "should join us in a truly multilateral effort" to bring change to the island.
Burleigh spoke during the Assembly's annual debate on "the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba." The Assembly adopted a Cuban-drafted resolution urging nations to refrain from adopting laws like the so-called Helms-Burton Act, the U.S. law that provides for sanctions against foreign companies or individuals who traffic in property claimed by U.S. citizens.
The vote on the resolution was 157-2 with 12 abstentions.
Burleigh also emphasized that a central thrust of U.S. policy is support for the Cuban people.
"This effort to support the Cuban people recognizes that change in Cuba must come from within, led by Cubans on the island who recognize the problems and injustices of the current system," he said. "They need and deserve the support of the international community."
Following is the text of the ambassador's remarks:
(begin text)
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR A. PETER BURLEIGH, CHARGE D'AFFAIRS, A.I. OF THE UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS, IN EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON CUBA (AGENDA ITEM 29), IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OCTOBER 14, 1998
Our concern with Cuba results from the Cuban Government's systematic denial of universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms to the people of Cuba. We are proud to promote and support democracy around the world; it is the dictators and repressors of human rights who should be defensive and ashamed.
Cuba continues to trample on the fundamental freedoms of its people, the rights and principles enshrined in the U.N. Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The United States believes that economic sanctions are an important foreign policy tool to be used in certain compelling cases. In the case of Cuba, sanctions are but one element of a broad policy aimed at promoting a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. We have asked the International Community to join us in a truly multilateral effort to achieve that goal.
Important issues are at stake for the United States in Cuba, a nation which lies only 90 miles from our shores. But important interests are also at stake for friends throughout the hemisphere, and for the broader community of democracies.
Year after year the Cuban Government has manipulated the concerns expressed in this chamber to claim support for its repressive and failed policies. The record, however, is clear: dozens of dissidents and human rights advocates have been detained and arrested over the past year. Recently, the four courageous leaders of the "dissident working group" were charged with alleged sedition and acts against state security. Their only crime, though, was to criticize the government's Failed economic policies and to call for peaceful democratic change.
Rather than accepting the mistaken premise of this resolution, the United States urges nations committed to democracy and human rights to join us in forging a multilateral effort to promote a peaceful democratic transition in Cuba.
In addition to maintaining pressure on the Cuban Government for change, the United States believes it is particularly important to reach out to the Cuban people. Assisting the Cuban people to develop independent civil society will help ensure that the transition which will inevitably take place in Cuba will be peaceful and democratic. This effort to support the Cuban people recognizes that change in Cuba must come from within, led by Cubans on the island who recognize the problems and injustices of the current system. They need and deserve the support of the international community.
Support for the Cuban people has been and remains a central thrust of U.S. policy. In October 1995, and March 1999, President Clinton announced measures which significantly expanded those efforts. Thousands of Cuban doctors, scientists, environmentalists, academics, students, researchers, artists, religious workers, and others have travelled to the United States, and hundreds of Americans have legally travelled to Cuba for similar purposes. Dozens of non-governmental groups in the United States are engaged in projects with independent Cuban groups and the United States has licensed over $2 billion in private humanitarian assistance from U.S. NGO's and individuals for the people of Cuba. Much of the assistance, which has been and is being licensed, is medicine, medical equipment, and food.
With the support of countries that share our commitment to advancing peaceful change in Cuba, the Cuban people can nurture the hope of a brighter future. The United States calls on this body to dedicate its efforts to advancing the cause of freedom and human rights in Cuba, and to increasing support to those on the island who yearn for democratic change.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(end text)
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