To: Outgoing and Incoming Administrations of the United States
Subject: Priority Points on U.S. Policy Toward Cuba

 

Introduction:

Our organizations stand united in emphasizing the need for a peaceful, democratic transition in Cuba, aligned with the “Agreement for Democracy.” Cuba faces a profound crisis under a failing state, worsened by nationwide power outages and escalating repression. This memo outlines five critical points to guide U.S. policy toward Cuba, ensuring a clear, resolute stance in support of the Cuban people's democratic aspirations and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for Cuba and the Americas.
 

Priority Points for U.S. Policy on Cuba

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1. No Concessions, Condition All Engagements
   The U.S. should make no unilateral concessions to the Cuban regime. Any form of engagement with the Cuban regime must be conditioned on measurable steps toward a democratic transition and the recognition of basic human rights. This includes, but is not limited to: the unconditional and definitive release of all political prisoners, cessation of repression, and guarantees for enabling the Cuban people's sovereign self-determination to choose a new political system that allows free, fair, multi-party elections. Diplomatic and trade engagements should align with these demands to prevent normalization of the regime and reinforce the necessity for democratic reform.
    

2. Maintain Cuba’s Status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
   The U.S. must maintain Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The regime’s consistent alliances and actions endanger U.S. security and regional stability, underscoring the need for ongoing, targeted sanctions. Cuba's documented links to terrorism and its support for hostile actors (Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, ELN, etc.) make this designation essential.
    

3. Strengthen Sanctions Against Regime Financial and Military Networks Responsible for Human Rights Abuses and the Humanitarian Crisis
   To weaken the regime’s repressive and extractive capabilities, the U.S. should expand financial sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, targeting regime officials, military figures, GAESA, associated business entities, and frontmen heading MIPYMES. Sanctions should block regime agents and support networks globally, restrict their entry to the U.S., limit access to international financing, and freeze any activities related to financing the Cuban military or entities controlled by the Cuban Communist Party.
    

4. Diplomatic Isolation of the Dictators
   The U.S. should lead a coalition of democratic nations to isolate the Cuban regime's criminals in global forums. This includes advocating for the suspension of the EU’s Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement and restricting the regime's participation in diplomatic gatherings until the conditions outlined in Point 1 are met.
    

5. Support Independent Cuban Civil Society and Opposition to Overcome Conditions of State Failure Caused by the Prevailing System
   A proactive stance should recognize and empower the Cuban opposition and civil society committed to the Agreement for Democracy as legitimate representatives of the Cuban people. Supporting the citizen-driven democratic change effort, ensuring the possibility of a popular participation process led by Cubans, is the path to fostering stability for Cuba and the Americas.
    

Conclusion:
The Cuban people's desire for freedom and democracy is clear and is the only path out of the humanitarian crisis. U.S. policy should reflect unwavering support for Cubans’ aspirations and invite all U.S. allies to take similar steps. By adhering to these priorities, the outgoing administration can avoid actions that benefit the regime, while the incoming administration can establish a clear, principled stance in support of democratic change in Cuba.

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SIGNATORIES

Asociación Sindical Independiente de Cuba

Center for a Free Cuba

Cuban Freedom March

Foundation NewGeneration

Fundación para la Democracia Panamericana

Instituto Patmos

La Rosa Blanca

Las Damas de Blanco

Movimiento Democracia

Moviemiento Libertad y Democracia

Movimiento Opositores por una Nueva República (MONR)

Movimiento Somos+


Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos

Partido del Pueblo
Partido Por La Democracia Pedro Luis Boitel

Promotores de Cuba Decide

Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU)

United for Democracy in Cuba Now

 

October 25, 2024

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Our organizations once again join forces to call on all organizations that have signed the Agreement for Democracy to participate in the coordination and promotion of a political, economic, and social transition in accordance with the principles of the Agreement for the progress of our nation.

 

We warn that Cuba is experiencing the conditions of a failed state. Last Friday, October 18th, the electrical service was interrupted throughout the entire country, leaving millions of Cubans without power and consequently without water, internet, or transportation. The consequences have been devastating: widespread hunger, closed schools, patients dying in hospitals, and rising crime. The energy collapse catalyzed dozens of peaceful protests that were violently repressed by the repressive forces. The arbitrary arrests of the past few days are added to the more than a thousand prisoners of conscience, exacerbating the political and social crisis.

 

The tragedy of recent days continues the deep crisis that the Cuban people are suffering as a result of the imposition of a system that does not work; whose leaders do not have the capacity or the will to provide a way out of the economic collapse, nor to respect fundamental freedoms and human dignity.

 

We warn that the State-Party in Cuba is incapable of carrying out basic functions, such as the provision of essential public services and the protection against natural disasters. The regime's leaders have no legitimacy whatsoever within the country and are responsible for the humanitarian crisis, rampant corruption, systematic human rights abuses, and the implementation of state terrorism against citizens.

 

We call on democratic governments to stop all forms of financing the repressive apparatus in Cuba, to pressure the dictators to submit to the will of the citizens for democratic change, and to support the points of the Agreement for Democracy.

To all officials, directors, and subordinates, in the National Assembly, all civil and military ministries, and regional governments throughout the island, we call on you to disregard the call for repressive actions and to take the side of the Cuban people.

 

To all Cubans who are suffering and fighting, we reiterate: you are not alone, the Cuban nation lives both inside and outside the island, we are one people and we will not stop until we recover freedom, homeland, and life.

 

SIGNATORIES

Asociación Sindical Independiente de Cuba
Center for a Free Cuba
Cuban Freedom March
Damas de Blanco
Foundation NewGeneration
Fundación para la Democracia Panamericana
Instituto Patmos

La Rosa Blanca

MAR por Cuba
Movimiento Democracia
Movimiento Libertad

Movimiento Opositores por una Nueva República (MONR)
Movimiento San Isidro

Movimiento Somos+
Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos

Observatorio de Género de Alas Tensas

Partido del Pueblo

Partido Demócrata Cristiano de Cuba
Partido Por La Democracia Pedro Luis Boitel
Patria de Marti
Plantados
Promotores de Cuba Decide
Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU)

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(We continue to receive signatures from organizations. Last updated: October 25, 2024, 11:00 AM ET)

The democratic change is urgent for our people!

 

March 20, 2024

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To all Cubans who are in the streets of multiple cities in the country peacefully demonstrating to demand freedom, we say: you are not alone, the Cuban nation lives inside and outside the Island, we are one people and we will not stop until we recover freedom, homeland, and life.

 

We condemn the regime that has plunged the Cuban people into a deep crisis, marked by hunger and structural failures in all public systems; from health to water and fuel supplies. We warn that the State/Party is and will be incapable of guaranteeing basic services due to the ineptitude of the functionaries, the theft of national heritage by the ruling oligarchic class, and the systematic violation of the civil, economic, and political rights of citizens.

 

We call on the police and military forces not to repress peaceful protesters. You have the option not to participate in violence and to stand on the side of the people. The democratic future is approaching, where law enforcement protects citizens, and in that new system where there will be a Rule of Law and justice will be exercised, there is room for all Cubans.

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We demand that the regime immediately proceed to the unconditional release of all political prisoners, the end of repression, and the suspension of any decree, law, or practice that hinders the exercise of freedom of expression, association, public assembly, press, movement, and demonstration.

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We invite all our brothers in the Cuban democratic movement to work together and continue advancing a transition project in accordance with the principles of the Agreement for Democracy for the progress of our nation.

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We call on the international community to support the recovery of the sovereignty of our people and to demand the fulfillment of all electoral guarantees, including freedom of expression, association, and dissemination of information so that Cuban citizens can decide on democratic change and the regime must abide by the will of the people.

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Our organizations unite in support of those who courageously demand freedom on the streets today. The change from dictatorship to democracy is urgent for our people. The only way out of the crisis is to get rid of the dictatorship.

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SIGNATORIES

Asociación Sindical Independiente de Cuba (ASIC)
Center for a Free Cuba
Damas de Blanco 
Democratic Spaces
Fundación NewGeneration
Fundación para la Democracia Panamericana
Fundación para los Derechos Humanos en Cuba
Instituto Patmos
La Rosa Blanca
MAR por Cuba
Movimiento Democracia
Movimiento Libertad y Democracia por Cuba
Movimiento Opositores por una Nueva República
Movimiento Somos+
Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos
Patria de Martí

Partido del Pueblo
Partido Demócrata Cristiano de Cuba
Partido por la Democracia Pedro Luis Boitel
Promotores de Cuba Decide
Unión Liberal Cubana
Unión Patriótica de Cuba