The 20 de Mayo, 2009 Address

Cuban American National Foundation-The 20 de Mayo, 2009 Address
By CANF
May 20, 2009 - 10:39:55 AM

During the last three decades, the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) has remained on the forefront of efforts for the restoration of liberty, democracy, and human rights in Cuba. CANF has been instrumental in the creation of Radio and Television Marti; the passing of the Torricelli Bill and the Helms-Burton Act; the reunification, through its Cuban Exodus Relief Fund, of more than ten thousand Cuban families forcibly separated by the Castro regime; and the condemnation of the Castro government in many international forums for its continued violation of the human rights of Cuba’s people.

In recent years, the Cuban American National Foundation, through the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba, has bolstered the work of the democratic opposition on the Island, providing moral and financial support for the courageous actions of the Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White), as well as numerous civil disobedience campaigns such as Con la Misma Moneda (With the Same Currency) coordinated by the rural women of FLAMUR, while simultaneously sending humanitarian aid to political prisoners and their families who have personally borne the cruelty of the Castro dictatorship’s injustice.

Today on May 20th, 2009, the 107th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Cuba in 1902, the Cuban American National Foundation stands proudly, having played a significant role in President Barack Obama’s decision to lift those restrictions that previously limited Cuban exile family aid to relatives on the Island. Once again, we continue the legacy of our venerable founder, Jorge Mas Canosa, who said “the Foundation brings together what the Castro regime separates.”
On this 20 de Mayo, the Cuban American National Foundation renews its commitment to freedom for Cuba, resolutely supporting all those on the Island who call for democratic change and respect for the physical, moral, and spiritual dignity of all Cubans. Furthermore, we continue to serve as advocates for democracy in Cuba with President Obama’s Administration, encouraging a renewal of the US commitment to the people of Cuba by making better use of those resources already in place that advance the democratic cause on the Island – this includes restructuring Radio and Television Marti and ensuring that the overwhelming majority of democracy aid funds distributed through USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy reach the brave and heroic internal opposition inside Cuba itself.

Moreover, we call upon those leaders of good faith among the brethren nations of Latin America to pressure the Castro dictatorship, publicly or in private, for a real improvement in the living conditions of the Cuban people, and likewise urge the European Union to utilize its economic and cultural influence to secure the immediate and unconditional release of those Cubans who have been unjustly jailed solely for expressing disagreement with the policies of the regime.

Today, with renewed optimism, we continue to promote liberty and the hopes for renewal of the Cuban people over the obstinacy of those who persevere in defending an oppressive and despotic regime that has plunged Cuba into a state of desperation, hatred, and misery for half a century. On this 107th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cuba, we call on all Cubans, whether in exile or on the Island, to unite in support of the noble endeavor of restoring peace, liberty, and prosperity to Cuba.

CANF Board of Directors
Miami, Florida
May 20, 2009