Bill Clinton: “(LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 March 12, 1996 Thank you very much. Welcome to the White House. Senator Helms, Senator Gramm…”

“(LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 March 12, 1996 Thank you very much. Welcome to the White House. Senator Helms, Senator Gramm, Senator Mack, Senator Lautenberg, Senator Coverdell, Congressman Menendez, Congressman Torricelli, Congressman Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Deutsch, Congressman Burton, Congressman Kennedy--I hope I haven't missed any Members of Congress who are here--to the family members of those who were tragically shot down, Ambassador Albright, Assistant Secretary Watson, my fellow Americans. We are here today around a common commitment to bring democracy to Cuba. Two and a half weeks ago, the world received a harsh reminder of why a democratic Cuba is so important, not only to us but to the people of Cuba. In broad daylight and without justification, Cuban military jets shot down two unarmed United States civilian aircraft, causing the deaths of three American citizens and one U.S. resident. The planes were unarmed, the pilots unwarned. They posed no threat to Cuba's security. This was clearly a brutal and cruel act. It demanded a firm, immediate response. On my instructions, Ambassador Albright convened the United Nations Security Council, which unanimously deplored Cuba's actions. Dozens of countries around the world expressed their revulsion. Cuba's blatant disregard for international law is not just an issue between Havana and Washington but between Havana and the world. I ordered also a number of unilateral actions.…”