Committee News

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Ros-Lehtinen Meets Today with State Department Cuba Coordinator, Will Raise Importance of Democracy Promotion in Assistance Programs

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will meet TODAY, Wednesday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m. in 2470 Rayburn with Peter Brennan, the Coordinator of the Office for Cuban Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“I requested this meeting with Mr. Brennan, who recently assumed this post, to discuss growing concerns about the direction of U.S.-Cuba policy, including reports about the possible easing of restrictions on the Cuban regime and the apparent shift in focus of U.S.-Cuba programs intended to promote democracy.

“Democracy promotion must remain front and center in our Cuba programs. Providing economic assistance without tying it to the advancement of human rights and freedom will only give the regime more ways to profit off of the Cuban people.

“I’m also increasingly concerned by previous reports that the Administration might be considering changes to current U.S. policy towards the Cuban regime. Unrestricted and unlimited tourism travel to Cuba will enrich the regime. We’ve played this game before; let’s not be fooled again.”

NOTE: The meeting will take place in 2470 Rayburn and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen will be available to the media following the meeting.

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