Bob Menendez: “I am proud to join a bipartisan group of original cosponsors of this resolution which supports the development of…”

“I am proud to join a bipartisan group of original cosponsors of this resolution which supports the development of democracy and civil society in Cuba. As you know, on May 20th, opposition leaders are organizing a historic Assembly on the 103rd Anniversary of Cuban independence. In this momentous meeting of 365 irdependent organizations, Cuba will hear a dialogue of freedom and progress. This Assembly will continue a discussion--from within Cuba--of how to begin the process of reconstructing a democratic culture, promoting civil society, combating poverty, and establishing labor rights. They are Cuba's bravest and brightest--they are Cuba's future. Who among us would not be supportive of the right to peaceful assembly and public discourse? That is what this resolution and Cuban civil society is calling for on May 20th. As we learned in a Western Hemisphere Subcommittee hearing early this year, the organizers and the participants in this event are risking their personal freedom for the freedom of the Cuban people. This resolution makes it clear that we oppose any attempt by the Castro regime to repress or punish the organizers and participants of the Assembly, as Castro has done with so many others who have spoken out against repression. News reports indicate that Cuban dissidents who are choosing to participate in the Assembly are already being harassed.…”