Bush Speaks, Dissidents Respond
Monday Night Fundraiser Expected To Rake In $2 Million
POSTED: 7:00 a.m. EDT May 21, 2002
UPDATED: 12:17 p.m. EDT May 21, 2002
MIAMI -- President George W. Bush is back in the nation's capital this morning after spending the better part of Monday in South Florida. U.S. policy toward Cuba was the main topic of his day.
Bush (pictured, right) spoke Monday afternoon specifically about Fidel Castro and the U.S. embargo against Cuba. The president emphasized he will not ease sanctions but he did offer new initiatives for the cuban people, including assistance for non-governmental humanitarian aid providers and scholarships for Cuban students.
But as far as trade goes, Bush left that issue in Castro's hands.
"(Trade) will only be possible when Cuba has a new government that is fully democratic, when the rule of law is respected, and when human rights of all Cubans are protected," Bush said.
After his speech, the president attended a Republican Party fundraiser at the home of a prominent Cuban-American real estate developer in Coral Gables.
At $25,000 a plate, the party was expected to take in about $2 million -- much of which will be used for Governor Jeb Bush's bid for re-election.
"The message has been the same for more than 40 years. The same message
from both sides," said freed political prisoner Vladimiro Roca.
"In truth, the tone of the president was surprising and not as aggressive as on other occasions and even less aggressive than that of the Cuban government on previous occasions towards the U.S.," said Cuban oppositionist Hector Palacios (pictured, left).
The presidential visit highlighted a day of celebrations to mark 100 years of Cuban independence. Hundreds of Cuban exiles gathered outside Our Lady of Charity in Coconut Grove last night for an evening of music and reading. It capped a long weekend of centennial celebrations.
To read the complete text of Bush's speech, click here.
Join our discussion about the president's speech and former president Jimmy Carter's visit to Cuba by clicking here.
Bush (pictured, right) spoke Monday afternoon specifically about Fidel Castro and the U.S. embargo against Cuba. The president emphasized he will not ease sanctions but he did offer new initiatives for the cuban people, including assistance for non-governmental humanitarian aid providers and scholarships for Cuban students.
But as far as trade goes, Bush left that issue in Castro's hands.
"(Trade) will only be possible when Cuba has a new government that is fully democratic, when the rule of law is respected, and when human rights of all Cubans are protected," Bush said.
After his speech, the president attended a Republican Party fundraiser at the home of a prominent Cuban-American real estate developer in Coral Gables.
At $25,000 a plate, the party was expected to take in about $2 million -- much of which will be used for Governor Jeb Bush's bid for re-election.
Cuban Reaction
Cuban dissidents are reacting to the president's tough talk in South Florida, but in many instances they feel he's not being tough enough."The message has been the same for more than 40 years. The same message
from both sides," said freed political prisoner Vladimiro Roca.
"In truth, the tone of the president was surprising and not as aggressive as on other occasions and even less aggressive than that of the Cuban government on previous occasions towards the U.S.," said Cuban oppositionist Hector Palacios (pictured, left).
The presidential visit highlighted a day of celebrations to mark 100 years of Cuban independence. Hundreds of Cuban exiles gathered outside Our Lady of Charity in Coconut Grove last night for an evening of music and reading. It capped a long weekend of centennial celebrations.
To read the complete text of Bush's speech, click here.
Join our discussion about the president's speech and former president Jimmy Carter's visit to Cuba by clicking here.
Previous Story:
- May 20, 2002: Bush Says Embargo Will Remain Until Cuba Changes
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