Home > Press Room > 2008 > Press Release

Press Release

Fidel Castro's Resignation Creates Historic Opportunity For Significant Changes Within Cuba.

LULAC Calls For a Peaceful Transition.

February 19, 2008

For more information, contact:
Javier Dominguez, 202-833-6130 ext. 12

Washington, DC – According to a letter that was published in a Cuban state run newspaper, Fidel Castro has resigned after forty-nine years in power. LULAC National President, Rosa Rosales, made the following statement regarding Castro’s resignation:

“Fidel Castro’s resignation creates a historic opportunity for the United States and Cuba to begin a new political relationship if Cuba takes steps to move towards a democratic system. LULAC encourages the international community to work with the new Cuban government and its people to defend human rights and help build institutions that are necessary for democracy. We call on Raul Castro and the Cuban government to work with the Bush Administration and Congress to ensure that Cuba’s transition to democracy is peaceful and upholds human rights.”

Last July, the National Board of the League of United Latin American Citizens approved a resolution calling for a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. The resolution:

• Urges the international community, human rights organizations and religious organizations to support the Damas de Blanco’s mission to bring a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba,

• Urges the U.S. government and the International community to actively oppose any attempts by the Cuban government to repress or punish the organizers and participants of the Damas de Blanco,

• Promotes and defends human rights and shares the pro-democracy ideals that will hasten the return of freedom and democracy for the people of Cuba, and

• Calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience from Cuban jails and prisons.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

# # #