verstehen libre.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
GWB finally weighs in
Just-released statement from the White House:
The United States is actively monitoring the situation in Cuba following the announcement of a transfer of power. At this time of uncertainty in Cuba, one thing is clear: The United States is absolutely committed to supporting the Cuban people’s aspirations for democracy and freedom. We have repeatedly said that the Cuban people deserve to live in freedom. I encourage all democratic nations to unite in support of the right of the Cuban people to define a democratic future for their country. I urge the Cuban people to work for democratic change on the island. We will support you in your effort to build a transitional government in Cuba committed to democracy, and we will take note of those, in the current Cuban regime, who obstruct your desire for a free Cuba.
In the event of a transition in the Cuban government, we stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance as needed to help the Cuban people. It has long been the hope of the United States to have a free, independent, and democratic Cuba as a close friend and neighbor. In achieving this, the Cuban people can count on the full and unconditional support of the United States.
Shockingly low-key, if you ask me, especially if you've read last month's CAFC report. But, hey, I'm all for pissing off Miami. One question, though: what the hell does "we will take note of those, in the current Cuban regime, who obstruct your desire for a free Cuba" actually mean? Does it meant that we will "take note" of people like, say, Pérez-Roque and Alarcón like we "took note" of, say, the Republican Guard in Iraq? Or will we "take note" in an even more extreme fashion? Or will we perhaps, this time, allow competitive party development to occur in a somewhat-organic manner? I can't really imagine a fuzzier and more ridiculous thing to say on the subject, and it's sort of a crucial subject. ¶ 2:57 PM
The United States is actively monitoring the situation in Cuba following the announcement of a transfer of power. At this time of uncertainty in Cuba, one thing is clear: The United States is absolutely committed to supporting the Cuban people’s aspirations for democracy and freedom. We have repeatedly said that the Cuban people deserve to live in freedom. I encourage all democratic nations to unite in support of the right of the Cuban people to define a democratic future for their country. I urge the Cuban people to work for democratic change on the island. We will support you in your effort to build a transitional government in Cuba committed to democracy, and we will take note of those, in the current Cuban regime, who obstruct your desire for a free Cuba.
In the event of a transition in the Cuban government, we stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance as needed to help the Cuban people. It has long been the hope of the United States to have a free, independent, and democratic Cuba as a close friend and neighbor. In achieving this, the Cuban people can count on the full and unconditional support of the United States.
Shockingly low-key, if you ask me, especially if you've read last month's CAFC report. But, hey, I'm all for pissing off Miami. One question, though: what the hell does "we will take note of those, in the current Cuban regime, who obstruct your desire for a free Cuba" actually mean? Does it meant that we will "take note" of people like, say, Pérez-Roque and Alarcón like we "took note" of, say, the Republican Guard in Iraq? Or will we "take note" in an even more extreme fashion? Or will we perhaps, this time, allow competitive party development to occur in a somewhat-organic manner? I can't really imagine a fuzzier and more ridiculous thing to say on the subject, and it's sort of a crucial subject. ¶ 2:57 PM
