CUBA
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04 August 2006
Rice Reaches Out to Cuban People Via Radio and TV Marti
Washington -- U. S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reiterated the United States’ support for a free and democratic Cuba in an August 4 address broadcast to the people of Cuba via Radio and TV Marti.
Transcript:
Text of Rice’s address
"It has long been the hope of the United States that a free, independent, and democratic Cuba would be more than just a close neighbor – it would be a close friend," Rice said. "This is our goal, now more than ever, and throughout this time of change, all of you must know that you have no greater friend than the United States of America."
In her taped message to the Cuban people, Rice emphasized that although the United States stands ready to support Cuba’s transition, it ultimately will be Cubans who define their future.
“Much is changing there, yet one thing remains constant: America’s commitment to supporting a future of freedom for Cuba, a future that will be defined by you -- the Cuban people,” she said. “The United States respects your aspirations as sovereign citizens. And we will stand with you to secure your rights -- to speak as you choose, to think as you please, to worship as you wish, and to choose your leaders, freely and fairly, in democratic elections.”
In an August 3 statement, President Bush encouraged Cubans to continue to work for positive change, pledged substantial humanitarian assistance and called on the international community to support the democratic aspirations of the Cuban people. (See related article.)
Rice echoed these remarks in her August 4 address.
“We encourage the Cuban people to work at home for positive change, and we stand ready to provide you with humanitarian assistance, as you begin to chart a new course for your country,” Rice said. “The United States is also encouraging all democratic nations to join together and call for the release of political prisoners, for the restoration of your fundamental freedoms, and for a transition that quickly leads to multiparty elections in Cuba.”
Radio and TV Marti -- which aim to provide balanced news coverage -- are produced by the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, an element of the U.S. International Broadcasting Bureau.
Both the text of Rice’s address and a link to the audio file are available on the State Department Web site.
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov) | 
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