Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “last week two Members of this House, a gentleman from Massachusetts and a gentleman from New Mexico, went to Cuba to…”

“last week two Members of this House, a gentleman from Massachusetts and a gentleman from New Mexico, went to Cuba to meet with Castro. One told the press he was looking for flexibility on Castro's part to help him oppose the sanctions bill that the Congress is currently pursuing against the Cuban dictatorship. The other said he was seeking the release of some fugitives from American justice now in Cuba. I will now briefly outline some of the ways in which Castro reacted to these congressional visits and treated dissidents and independent journalists in Cuba just during these last few days. january 14 Raul Rivero, Cuban poet and president of the independent Cuba Press agency, was arrested. Juan Antonio Sanchez Rodriguez, another independent reporter, arrested in Pinar del Rio. Jorge Adrian Ayala Corzo, president of the Democratic Renovation Party, was arrested. Rafael Solano and Julio Martinez of the independent Havana Press were arrested. january 15 Gladys Linares, Miguel Andres Palenque, Orlando Morejon were arrested. Bernardo Fuentes, an independent journalist in Camaguey Province, was arrested. Abel de Jesus Acosta, member of the Pro-Human Rights Party in Villa Clara Province, was arrested by State Security Lt. Boris Ruiz, his home ransacked and his motorcycle confiscated. Jesus Zuniga, of the National Conciliacion Movement, was arrested. The parents of Yndamiro Restano, were detained and interrogated for over 14 hours.”