James M. Jeffords: “I must strongly condemn the Cuban Government for its gross violation of international law in shooting down two small…”

“I must strongly condemn the Cuban Government for its gross violation of international law in shooting down two small, unarmed civilian aircraft last Saturday, resulting in the presumed loss of four American lives. This was a cowardly, cold-blooded act by Cuban authorities. There is no excuse for this violent act and no explanation that Cuba can offer which justifies such blatant disregard for international norms. I must note that Cuba's action on Saturday came on the very date that the Cuban Council, an alliance of human rights and dissident groups, had asked to hold a first-ever conference of such groups in Cuba. Beginning on February 15, the Cuban Government responded to the council's request, a request made in accordance with Cuba's Constitution, by retaining and arresting more than 50 people active in the council. I must also strongly condemn the Cuban Government of Fidel Castro for this crackdown. By these actions, the Cuban Government has once again demonstrated its fundamental disregard for internationally recognized humanitarian norms. These actions also sadden me because they have extinguished summarily the pin-pricks of light which were beginning to show, for the first time in many, many years, in our relations with Cuba.”