16 July 1999
Text: Clinton Suspends Title III Provisions of Helms-Burton Act
(Says action will "hasten the day" of democracy in Cuba) (680)
Washington -- President Clinton notified Congress July 16 that he has
decided to suspend for an additional six months the implementation of
Title III provisions of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity
Act, commonly known as the Helms-Burton Act (for its legislative
sponsors Sen. Jesse Helms, Republican of North Carolina, and
Representative Dan Burton, Republican of Indiana.)
Title III of the Helms-Burton Act permits U.S. citizens to file suit
against companies and individuals trafficking in property expropriated
by the Cuban government.
Since passage of the law in 1996, Clinton has exercised his authority
to suspend the right to file suit, enabling the United States to work
constructively with other governments for the promotion of freedom and
democracy in Cuba.
"The growing international consensus on the need for concrete steps to
promote democracy in Cuba gives us confidence that our multilateral
strategy is working," Clinton said in a statement.
Following is the White House text:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Des Moines, Iowa)
July 16, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today, I am notifying the Congress of my decision to suspend for
another six months implementation of provisions of Title III of the
Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act that allow legal action
against firms trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba. I take
this action because it is in America's national interest and because
it will hasten the day when the people of Cuba enjoy freedom and
democracy.
I allowed Title III to enter into force in July 1996. It has put
businesses around the world on notice that by trafficking in
expropriated American property in Cuba they risk significant liability
in the United States. Coupled with aggressive implementation of Title
IV of the law, this provision has helped deter such activities.
Since 1996, I have exercised the authority provided by the law to
suspend the right to file suit. This has enabled the United States, in
efforts led by Undersecretary of State Eizenstat, to work
constructively with our friends and allies for the promotion of
freedom and democracy in Cuba.
During this last six-month period, friends and allies, in both word
and deed, have steadily increased pressure on the Cuban government to
respect human rights and move toward democracy. Many national leaders
have publicly and privately pressed senior Cuban officials on the need
for reform. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights passed a
resolution, sponsored by Poland and the Czech Republic, condemning
Cuban human rights abuses. The European Union renewed its Common
Position, committing member countries to take concrete steps to
promote democracy in Cuba. A number of nongovernmental organizations
have also increased support to democratic groups on the island.
The Cuban government's disgraceful human rights record underscores the
need for our coordinated international strategy. Showing disdain for
universally recognized human rights, the government in February
promulgated a draconian law that criminalizes a wide range of
democratic activities, including any journalism independent of the
state. After a closed trial in March, the regime sentenced four
courageous leaders of the "Internal Dissident Working Group" to harsh
prison sentences merely for speaking out about their nation's future.
International condemnation of these acts has been clear and swift.
Countries long eager for warm relations with the Castro regime have
clearly reassessed the wisdom of that approach.
The growing international consensus on the need for concrete steps to
promote democracy in Cuba gives us confidence that our multilateral
strategy is working. It is sending a strong message to the Cuban
government that the time for change is now -- and a strong message to
the Cuban people that we stand with them in their efforts to build a
democratic future. I once again pledge my Administration's strongest
efforts to work with our friends and hasten the day when our Cuban
brothers and sisters enjoy the rights and freedoms that we all
cherish.
(end text)
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