Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs
Foreign Press Center Briefing
Washington, DC
May 20, 2008
View Video
http://video.state.gov/?fr_story=67f7efc8dd1f91da68137c71621cdf3f7de4f64d
2:00 P.M. EDT
Thomas Shannon at FPC
MODERATOR: Good afternoon and welcome to the Washington Foreign Press
Center. Thank you for being with us today. Today, we have Assistant
Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Tom Shannon to talk
about a Day of Solidarity with the Cuban people. We also have, joining
us via DVC, Jamaica, Cuba, and Guatemala, so welcome as well. Thanks.
Assistant Secretary Shannon.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Good afternoon and thank you all very much
for taking the time today to be with us. Very briefly, tomorrow, May
21st, we will be celebrating a Day of Solidarity with the Cuban people.
This day will feature a variety of events around town and elsewhere in
the United States to celebrate the Cuban people and to celebrate their
aspirations to be part of a free and democratic nation. President Bush
will be speaking tomorrow at the White House and I'm sure he will have
some very important and encouraging words for the people of Cuba.
Very briefly, in regards to this day, the purpose of the day is to
acknowledge that the Cuban people are the protagonists of political
change in Cuba, and that we here in the United States want to underscore
our support and solidarity for them as they look forward to their own
future and attempt to find the means and the mechanisms to play a role
in transforming their own society into a free and democratic Cuba.
U.S. policy towards Cuba focuses on the development of and the promotion
of a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. We believe that it is the
Cuban people themselves who will build this peaceful democratic future.
But as they attempt to do so, we believe it is important that the Cuban
Government create a political space that allows the Cuban people to
express themselves in a free and democratic fashion. And for this
reason, one of the focuses of our Day of Solidarity with the Cuban
people will be on political prisoners, on the plight of political
prisoners in Cuba, but also on the importance and the necessity of the
Cuban regime freeing those political prisoners.
Ultimately, we believe that for a political transition in Cuba to be
peaceful and enduring, there has to be some kind of broad comprehensive
national dialogue about Cuba's future in which the Cuban people can
participate. And we believe that for that dialogue to be meaningful, the
fear factor really has to be removed from Cuban political discourse, and
that one of the most dramatic ways to begin this process would be by
freeing political prisoners and for the Cuban regime to make clear that
it has enough confidence in itself and enough confidence in the Cuban
people that it can begin a dialogue without using the secret police and
security services as a moderator of political discourse.
And so we will use tomorrow to call for the freedom of political
prisoners, to call for full compliance with human rights accords that
Cuba has signed, most recently being the UN Covenant on Political Rights
and - Political and Civil Rights and the UN Covenant on social, economic
and cultural rights. And we believe that in an environment that promotes
human rights, an environment that does not use the police and prisons to
control political discourse, that Cuba would indeed be able to begin the
kind of national dialogue necessary to chart a peaceful democratic
course for its future.
Why don't I stop there and open this up to questions. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Okay. We'll take a question here.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Are you going to moderate?
MODERATOR: Yeah.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Okay.
MODERATOR: Maria? Please state your name and news organization.
QUESTION: Yes, thank you. Maria Pena with EFE News Services. I was just
wondering, a lot of people have put pressure on the U.S. Government to
denounce human rights violations in China and, you know, the U.S. does
have enormous trade relations with that. So obviously, you know, what is
the difference between the U.S. foreign policy towards China and the -
obviously, the fact that the U.S. continues to refuse to start a
dialogue with the Cuban regime like even some Democratic presidential
nominees are asking for?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Yeah. We're not shy about denouncing human
rights abuses in China. In fact, yeah, human rights continue to be a
prominent part of our engagement with China. If the purpose of the
question is to explore more broadly why there are differences between -
between China and Cuba, a lot have to do with the countries themselves,
but also the openness of China - of China to engage in an international
environment, especially on economic, social and cultural lines that
creates important openings for the international community and actually
provides a space for the international community to engage with Chinese
in a more open and coherent dialogue. That space does not yet exist in Cuba.
MODERATOR: Okay. We're going to try to go to Jamaica for our next
question. Jamaica, are you there? (Audio break) - anything back yet from
Jamaica, so let's have another question from Washington. Jesus.
QUESTION: Jesus Esquivel from Proceso Magazine, Mexico. It's going to be
with regard to the Merida Initiative. Mr. Shannon, the Chair has just
approved some kind of conditions for - release the 350 million they
proposed for the first year of the Merida Initiative. What is the
position of the White House with regard specifically to the conditions,
(inaudible) and the fact that the Mexican Government is very sensitive
with regard to the Mexican military personnel?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Well, I mean, as you know, the Congress is
still in the process of working towards an appropriations bill, a
supplemental bill that includes the Merida Initiative. The House has a
version, the Senate has a version. This must go to conference. So we
don't - we do not have in front of us a final language in regard to
Merida. In regard - broadly speaking, in regard to conditionality, I
won't refer specifically to Senate conditionality, but - but obviously,
you know, the Congress has a responsibility to make sure that U.S. funds
are being spent in a way that it feels appropriate, especially in
relationship to our broad values and human rights being an important
value. And - and so we respect that role.
That said, the United States and Mexico are facing a common challenge
which we hope to be able to meet through the Merida Initiative, in which
we both have to be accountable to each other. And so just as there is
and always will be a degree of conditionality in terms of monies that
are paid out to Mexico or other countries in support of Merida, we have
our own conditionality to meet in regard to Mexico and Central America.
And this means kind of fulfilling our side of the bargain, especially in
terms of interdicting arms trafficking into Mexico and also fighting
money laundering here in the United States in the transport of all currency.
So I would argue that ultimately, as we look at issues of
conditionality, what we need is language that promotes partnership and
promotes accountability.
QUESTION: But as far as you hear, the Mexican Government is already
saying if there is any conditions, they're going to say thanks, but no
thanks.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Yeah. Well, again, the Merida initiative is
an important initiative for the United States and Mexico. And I believe
that working with our Congress, we'll find a way to make this successful.
MODERATOR: Okay. Another question on Cuba, please?
QUESTION: Diana Moliniari TV Marti. The Cuban Government accused,
recently, the United States Government of intervening in the political
affairs internal with helping the dissidents. I have two questions. One,
what could you say about this? And second, doesn't - is this not a
signal exactly of the (inaudible) that there is really no way to hope
that at the moment, the political prisoners are going to be free, that -
or the situation is going to improve?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Well, the accusation is not new. I mean,
the United States has a well known policy of humanitarian assistance to
the Cuban people, especially to political prisoners, to families of
political prisoners, and to dissidents. And we will continue that
practice and policy. And that practice and policy has undertaken a way
that meets the rules and regulations established here in the United States.
In terms of hope, I think there's great hope for Cuba and great hope for
Cuba's political prisoners. And that's really what tomorrow is about.
It's about showing broad solidarity with the people of Cuba and making
it clear that as we look forward towards a democratic future for Cuba,
we believe that the ultimate drivers of that future, the ultimate
protagonists of it will be the Cuban people.
MODERATOR: Sonia?
QUESTION: Thank you, Sonia Schott with Radio Valera, Venezuela. Mr.
Shannon, is it impossible to talk about - on Cuba without mentioning
Venezuela, a country which is supporting a lot the past and the current
administration in Cuba. So that brings me to the issue when U.S. - a
U.S. Aircraft overflow* the Venezuelan air space.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: This is a long ways around it.
QUESTION: (Laughter.) I just want to know, do you try -
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: I'm impressed.
QUESTION: Is this the U.S. Administration trying to send a signal to
Venezuela and to Cuba, too?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: In --
QUESTION: A message? Thank you.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Congratulations. (Laughter.) You did it.
Listen, in regard to the aircraft, it's important to understand that
this was an aircraft which entered Venezuelan airspace mistakenly. It
self-identified itself to Venezuelan air traffic controllers. It
acknowledged its mistake and it immediately left Venezuelan airspace.
This was a navigational error, nothing else. And it's important to
understand that the exchange of -- you know, between the pilot and the
air controllers was a friendly exchange and that this kind of incident
happens frequently in areas where there's lots of air traffic. I mean,
just last week, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas had been in communication
with the Government of Venezuela, pointing out a number of instances in
which Venezuelan aircraft had violated U.S. airspace in similar
circumstances.
You know, these are not hostile acts. These are not viewed with alarm by
us. They're viewed as regular events in a crowded airspace and having
open, good channels of communication that's necessary to make sure that
everybody understands why these violations of airspace took place, and
what we're doing to make sure that they - they don't occur.
MODERATOR: I'm going to give Jamaica another shot and see if they're on
again. Do we have a question from Jamaica? (Audio break.) Take another
question from Washington. Vanessa.
QUESTION: Mr. Shannon, it's impossible for me, as a journalist from
Colombia, not ask you about this. I would like to know what's your
reaction about the report of the Interpol on the computers of Raul Reyes
(inaudible) Venezuela has said that they are not true. And you know more
than me, so I would like to know your opinion about that. And especially
what's coming next, I mean, like if that's going to help to include
Venezuela in the list of the countries that support terrorism, it's
going to be like another investigation, also Ecuador - Ecuador, which
role is playing -- Ecuador in all this narco-terrorism situation and FARC.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Well, the Interpol report, I think, speaks
for itself. I mean, Interpol determined that - that the hard drives in
question did, indeed, belong to Raul Reyes. And they determined that
they had not been tampered with. In other words, that's a pretty
politically neutral determination. So in this regard, you know, we've
been a little surprised by the vociferous nature of the response to
Interpol by both Venezuela and Ecuador. But that said, we still have
work to do in terms of analyzing the content of those hard drives,
although I think the stories that have appeared in The Wall Street
Journal and The Washington Post and El Pais and elsewhere indicate that
there is, indeed, a relationship between the FARC and Venezuela.
And as we have underscored elsewhere, as we look more closely at this
and carefully as we try to understand better the relationship and its
consequences, we would certainly urge the Government of Venezuela to
make clear what the purpose of that relationship is and whether or not
that relationship can be used in a positive way to help end a
four-decade long civil conflict in Colombia or whether the countries
involved are not prepared to stand with a democratic neighbor.
MODERATOR: Is it a follow-up?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Let's ask (inaudible.)
MODERATOR: Go ahead, (inaudible.)
QUESTION: Telesur. As you mentioned, Mr. Shannon, the accusations are
not new. But this time, the Cuban Government is providing evidence.
Would you - would the State Department be willing to look into it and
see if, indeed, Mr. Michael Parmly has been funneling money to Cuban
dissidents?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Well, we're very aware of the behavior of
our diplomats in Cuba and elsewhere. And let me just underscore that,
that against, assistance that moves from the United States to Cuba under
official auspices in this regard does so for humanitarian purposes. It
really is aimed at helping dissidents and the families of political
prisoners who operate under enormous stress in a society in which their
loved ones have been locked away. They've oftentimes lost their jobs,
their family members have lost scholarships and positions in schools and
they really do face some tremendous hardships, both socially and
economically.
And the kinds of programs we have are designed, first, to show these
people that they're not alone; that although they are harassed and
badgered in their own society, that internationally, the sacrifices they
make are understood and appreciated. And secondly, to help them address
the day-to-day issues of living in that kind of environment. You know,
so I would argue that from our point of view, this assistance has a
humanitarian purpose, not a political purpose, and that ultimately, it
is something that is in keeping with our broader policy towards Cuba.
QUESTION: And a follow-up on Cuba and Venezuela: Any response from the
State Department regarding the latest petition from the Venezuelan
Government on the extradition of Luis Posada Carriles?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: I'm not aware that they've made an
additional request. I mean, we still have outstanding requests. As you
know, Mr. Posada Carriles's legal status here in the United States is
still an open question.
MODERATOR: Okay. We have a question here from VOA. Up here in the front.
QUESTION: Do you want it in Spanish? English is fine. Mm-hmm.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: As you'd like.
QUESTION: As a follow up to the accusations by the Cuban Government, do
you expect any concrete diplomatic action by the Cuban Government
against the U.S. Interests Section in Havana?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Well, the Cuban Government has not
communicated with us formally through Diplomatic Note yet. I mean, its
communication has been publicly through press conferences. So at this
point, I can say neither yes nor no to your question. We'll just wait
and see how the Cuban Government chooses to communicate with us in terms
of next steps.
MODERATOR: Vanessa, for your follow-up?
QUESTION: Yes. I would like to know, Mr. Shannon, if you have any news
about the three American hostages or something is going on to get them
released.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: In news, you mean in regard to their
situation or circumstances?
QUESTION: Mm-hmm.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: We have nothing, nothing new at this point
in time; just that, you know, we continue to do what we can in
conjunction with the Government of Colombia to promote a successful and
safe release of all hostages, the three U.S. hostages included. We
continue to believe that the FARC practice of taking prisoners,
kidnapping innocent people and holding them for ransom and for political
purposes is abominable and we call on the FARC to release them.
MODERATOR: We have one last question here in Washington. If you'd
permit, I'll ask the question, in case Jamaica is listening, but they
just can't talk to us. There's a question from the Gleaner newspaper on
Cuba. With Raul Castro coming into power in Cuba and the changes and
policy shifts that he's making in the country, what is the U.S.
Government view of the Caribbean nations that are attempting to or may,
in the future, attempt to strengthen their relationship with Cuba?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Good question. In regard to other
countries' relationships with Cuba, every country has a sovereign right
and authority to determine how it relates with other countries. And it's
not our purpose to interfere with that.
Obviously, Caribbean countries have their own interests that they need
to look after in their relationships with their neighbors, Cuba
included. However, our plea to our friends and partners in the region
and those who do have diplomatic relationships with Cuba is, in the
course of their relationships, to send clear messages that the
international community expects and anticipates a democratic Cuba in the
future and that release of political prisoners and respect for human
rights is a common standard called for in the Inter-American Democratic
Charter, called for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and
that these countries should not be shy about expressing the expectation
that Cuba meet these commitments under international law and
international treaty.
MODERATOR: Okay. Thank you, Assistant Secretary Shannon.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SHANNON: Thank you all very much.
Released on May 20, 2008
No comments:
Post a Comment