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18 January 2000

Text: White House January 15 Statement on Cuba Sanctions

(Clinton renews suspension of Helms-Burton provisions)  (320)
President Clinton has notified Congress that he will 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, the White House announced January 15.
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.
Following is the White House text:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
January 15, 2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
The President notified the Congress yesterday that he has decided to
continue for an additional six months the suspension of implementation
of provisions of Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic
Solidarity Act that allow legal actions to be brought against firms
trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba. This action is taken in
the national interest and because it is the best way to secure the
Act's objective of promoting a transition to democracy in Cuba.
Over the past six months, the international community's pro-democracy
message to the Cuban government has been stronger and clearer than
ever. Leaders from around the world have pressed, both publicly and
privately, senior Cuban officials on the need for human rights and
democratic change. The Administration has committed its strongest
efforts to encourage and work with our allies and partners on
effective steps to hasten the day when Cuba will join the community of
democratic nations.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State)