Committee News

Monday, October 25, 2010

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Ros-Lehtinen Welcomes EU Agreement to Keep Common Position on Cuba, Warns Against Potential Overtures to Regime

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on reports that the European Union, following today’s agreement to maintain its common position on Cuba, may be exploring ways to increase dialogue with the regime. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“European Union members made the right decision today to keep up pressure on the Cuban regime. Any changes to weaken the EU’s stance on Cuba would play directly into the hands of the Havana dictators.

“Going forward, it is important that the EU continues to reject proposed overtures to the Cuban regime which will only help it prolong its tyranny.

“The regime’s ongoing forced-exile of political prisoners is nothing more than a public relations campaign. The European Union must not allow itself to become a pawn in the regime’s political games.

“I urge the European Union to listen to the people of Cuba, who know that nothing has changed. Responsible nations must apply strong pressure on the Cuban regime until democracy takes root and the Cuban people are able to fully live in freedom.”

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