Cuba – Europe Dialogues No. 1 / 2007

Quarterly bulletin on relations between Cubans and Europeans

Cuban Views Cuba Waits for the Day After Cuban Transitional Programs on Transition Edward McMillan-Scott 2 Nikola Hořejš 4

Ahead of Central Europans: a n a ly s i s Draft of Todos Cubanos Fredo Arias King 7

Notes on the Draft Constitution Ready for Changes: APSC In the Hands of the Generals Vojtěch Cepl 10 Lucas Garve 15 José Antonio Fornaris 17 Cuba and the Keys Reformists and NGO Charter 77 after Thirty Years o p i n i o n of the Spanish Transition Recommendations Kusý Miroslav 19 Carlos Alberto Montaner 12 Markus Meckel 16

NGO Network: Cuba Libre in Bulgaria 25 Document: Warszaw Appeal 21 Making Statement Recent Events International Committee for e v e n t s while on Holiday 26 new Report on Human Rights 23 Democracy in Cuba 30 ISHR SUES CUBA AT THE UN 27 2007 Events 32 photo by Pavel Hroch by photo Pavel CUBA WAITS FOR THE DAY AFTER Edward McMillan-Scott

he autumn streets of Havana are The only colour on the crumbling colo- sons’ imprisonment in 2003 for crimes dark at night. The few electric nial buildings comes from political slo- against the state. A token 75 political Tlights are reserved for the main high- gans extolling the 1957 revolution led activists had been rounded up. ways. Side streets are lit only by the by Los Hermanos Castro (‘The Castro occasional patched-up pre-revolution Brothers’). One is the dictator Fidel, The Women were eager to talk, eager Buick or Chevrolet, sometimes an open dying from stomach cancer, the other to know my opinion about what hap- door throws neon light onto the pave- his notoriously boozy brother Raul. pens next in Cuba. I had come to find ment outside. out, and to hear more of the conditions It was difficult finding the little house their menfolk were being kept in. Cubans shuffle head down: many are where the Damas de Blanco – Women in starving, many ill, most literally dirt White – were waiting for me. They had My visit to Cuba on a tourist visa was poor. They talk of a state of miedo been protesting outside their church organised by Vaclav Havel’s committee – fear. that day about their husbands’ and for democracy. I had come to examine Edward McMillan-Scott Edward with Oswaldo Payá    how the £100 million EU democracy fund night. In a corner, an aide was faxing EDITORIAL I set up aimed at the transformation of press releases aimed at a Latin Ameri- the ex-Soviet bloc could help Cuba. can diplomatic conference in Montevi- deo the following day. The Women told me of the unlit, fetid The transition towards democracy is cells, the filthy food, the lack of medical The courage and determination of peo- often viewed as a power struggle, but care at prisons hundreds of miles from ple like Paya and Roque is humbling it is, in a way, more a consequence their families – and far from the remain- to those who, like myself, tend to take of prepared minds and well-debated ing political activists in Havana. Europe’s freedom and prosperity for plans. This issue of Cuba-Europe Dia- granted. logues looks at Cubans’ views and The European Parliament awarded the plans regarding transition. The past Women the Sakharov Prize for freedom But Europe’s history has a message year has borne witness to a steady of expression in 2005: they could not for the world’s remaining tyrannies growth in debate on this topic within collect it but their demonstrations are – for China, Cuba, Egypt – even Russia, Cuba; perhaps in itself a far more sig- tolerated by the regime. where democracy has now faltered. nificant development than anyone’s stomachaches. The same prize was awarded to Cuban dissident Osvaldo Payá in 2002, just The outcome of the project All Cubans before the crackdown. His limited The courage and was made public last spring and is political activities too are tolerated, determination of people presented in the first article in our but he and his family are harassed. analysis. We have also asked sev- His 18-year-old daughter has just like Paya and Roque is eral scientists and journalists from started university but she cannot humbling to those who, all around the world to reflect on make friends, as the other students these plans and contribute with a are instructed to shun her. like myself, tend to take comparison. Fredo Arias King shows Europe’s freedom and what Cubans have learned from Cen- Payá organised a mass petition in 2002, tral European achievements and set- an extraordinarily difficult undertak- prosperity for granted. backs. Vojtech Cepl, former Judge at ing. He collected more than 11,000 sig- a Constitutional Court, analyses the natures for the reform agenda known Cuban constitutional draft and Car- as the Varela Project calling for eco- los Alberto Montaner compares the nomic and political freedom which My visits in the last year to each of paths taken by the Cubans and the achieved international support. these countries, to meet political dis- Spanish. sidents, religious activists and civil Today, Paya is presenting his latest society actors have shown me how The Cuban state of mind and expecta- project. Todos Cubanos is a plan for Europe’s example holds more hope tions are depicted by Edward McMil- the transition of Cuba from 50 years than America’s dollars, let alone her lan-Scott, European Parliament Vice- of dictatorship to real democracy. He divisions. President, who recently visited Cuba. shows me the myriad supporters’ sig- Among others, he helped present natures but these days he cannot Such tyrannies are all following the the Cuba-Europe Dialogues in Brus- make mass appeals. same path, banning use of the Inter- sels and expresses his support to the net, imprisoning or killing dissidents, NGO Network. Its growing activities Martha Beatriz Roque, a more nation- trying to control religious activity and and importance are captured by sev- alistic and populist figure, has also stifling civil society. Their days are eral articles and listings in the second produced a blueprint through her Civil numbered, but I want the EU to do part of this issue. I hope you will find Society Assembly. “Promoting the Day more to bring on the day after. the articles useful and we welcome your feedback. 1/2007

After” is a draft program for a Castro- UES G O free Cuba. L IA

Edward McMillan-Scott is an MEP for D E P Conversation with Martha was dif- Yorkshire & Humber (Conservative), European Nikola Horejs EURO ficult because the regime blasts her Parliament Vice President and founder of the Editor - UBA alleyway with pop music day and EU Democracy and Human Rights Initiative C Preparing for the Unexpected: Cuban Programs for a Democratic Transition Nikola Horejš

ccording to one of the leaders of we had our working document, a draft sitional steps. It has grown to more the Czech democratic movement of the plans for transition, but we said than hundred and thirty pages and is Ain 1989, “When it comes to transition, ‘no,’ Cubans do not need others to tell written in a formal legal style, because, the only experience is your experience.” them what to do, they need to discuss explained Paya, “a law should be the This feeling is shared by Cuban demo- it themselves,” said Paya. guarantee of justice in the transition, crats. Even if they do not know what not a leader or movement.” Although exactly to prepare for, they are getting its extensive reach and complex style ready for all possibilities. may render it impractical for the pub- Oswaldo Paya’s lic at large, it clearly expresses the Last year, two important groups in Movimiento Cristiano combined efforts of different political Cuba, Oswaldo Paya’s Movimiento Cris- approaches. tiano Liberacion and Martha Beart- Liberacion and Martha iz Roque´s Asamblea para Promover Beatriz Roque´s Briefly, the All Cubans plan suggests la Sociedad Civil en Cuba, present- these constitutional measures: ed detailed ideas for Cuba’s future. Asamblea presented 1) The All Cubans program will be Although plans for a new constitution detailed ideas for Cuba’s approved by a referendum called and a transitional government may by the current National Assembly seem premature, they might prove to future. This process might in order to avoid any institutional be the most important developments in prove to be the most turmoil. Cuba today. These ideas are not present- 2) A Contact Group will be formed ed as finished products, but simply as important development in order to represent opposition other steps in a nationwide discussion. in Cuba today. forces and the current regime. The In the words of Oswaldo Payá: “Cubans Contact Group will appoint a tran- used to wait for others to decide for sitional government for a one year them. The main idea behind the project period. is that Cubans abandon their learned Paya has gathered piles of handwritten 3) The current constitution will be helplessness and learn to express and comments from many Cubans, both replaced by this plan, and in two discuss their own wishes and fears.” within the country and in exile. These years a new constitution will be comments were anonymous and while drafted by a newly elected Assem- All Cubans some express political ideologies, oth- bly and will be approved in a ref- ers focus on wishes that have been erendum. All Cubans is a unique program in suppressed for a long time. The result- 4) In one year, a new unicameral recent Cuban history that encourages ing document includes a new constitu- Assembly will be elected. It will

 debate and promotes results. “In 2003, tion, electoral laws, and plans for tran- then be dissolved once the new con-   stitution has been approved, which 4) Establish Commissions of National 9) All Cubans will be guaranteed free will be after a period of two years. Reconciliation across all levels of healthcare and education. They 5) In one year, a new president will be government. These civic organiza- will also have the right to live elected in universal elections and tions will guarantee that all of the in the houses that they current- will become the head of the gov- transformational processes includ- ly occupy. They will retain their ernment. ed in the plan lead to a reconcilia- property rights and will be pro- tion of all Cubans. tected from eviction. The plan also suggests that the once 5) Replace all upper level judges with 10) State-owned media and important the transitional government has been newly nominated experts. companies will not be privatized. appointed, it should take immedi- Privatization of other state-owned ate steps to implement the following Demilitarization: property will not proceed under changes: 6) The army will come under civil- the transitional government and ian control. Jobs in all public offic- will not do so until proper laws Political prisoners: es and the management of state- are established. 1) Free all political prisoners and owned companies will no longer 11) Following the agricultural reforms review all other politically moti- be compatible with active service outlined in this plan, small farmers vated and unjust sentences. Abol- in the army. and their cooperatives will receive ish the death penalty. 7) All police and army forces will car- property rights for the land they ry on with their service, excluding are using. Moreover, all restitu- Reconciliation: political forces. tions of farmland will be made 2) Dissolve the current communist solely from state-owned land. party and the current communist Other: 12) Cuban citizens will be able to file youth organization. Legalize politi- 8) All Cubans living in exile, includ- claims for property restitution cal pluralism. ing their children, will be grant- in court. However, the decision 3) Legalize all human rights groups ed the right to Cuban citizenship, regarding the form of property res- and opposition movements and and will be allowed to participate titution will be left up to the new guarantee fundamental freedoms. in elections. government. photo by Pavel Hroch by Pavel photo 1/2007 UES G O L IA D E P

EURO - UBA C Malecón 13) The Cuban government will negotiate 2) Promotes dialogue between dissi- 10) Begin an information campaign its foreign debt and will make efforts dents and reformists, both within that would explain steps needed to end US trade sanctions. The gov- the former government and the to ensure reform. ernment will also attempt to regain army. control over the Guántanamo naval 3) Allow the transitional government This document is understandably tol- base. The Republic of Cuba will main- use of all necessary power until it erant to the army, since it will likely tain sovereignty and independence. calls universal elections within two become the most important force in years. the months after Castro’s death. It In conclusion, this plan provides very 4) Dissolve the old assembly and allow also leaves several questions open, moderate reforms and relies on gradual the new assembly to create a con- including those relating to the con- dialogue between the regime and the stitution – either based on Consti- stitution, restitution, Cuban exile and opposition. It promises to allow exiled tution of 1940 or not – that will be reconciliation with the past. Cubans back into political life and pro- presented to a popular referendum. tects citizens against chaotic privatiza- 5) Try people suspected of document- Ten Years All United tion and property restitutions. ed crimes against humanity and human rights violations. Propose The previous two documents became Promoting the Day After a commission for judging past public almost ten years after the cru- crimes. cial La Patria es de Todos (Homeland The document To Promote the Day Belongs to All) appeal in 1997. Since After (Para propiciar el día despues) is then, the opposition movement has an extended version of the outcomes gone through the process of uniting of the General Reunion of the Assem- Oswaldo Payá: “Cubans and dividing many times, and has bly to Promote Civil Society in Cuba. used to wait for others shifted its goals from reforming the This assembly gathered one hundred Communist Party to developing a dem- and fifty small organizations in May to decide for them. The ocratic system. 2005. It builds on work started by fif- main idea behind the teen committees and incorporates the Large blocs in the opposition move- contributions of various experts. Their project is that Cubans ment – Arco Progresista, independ- names do not appear on the document, abandon their learned ent unions, and most importantly the but can be found in the list of commit- coalition Todos Unidos (All United) – tees on the Assembly webpage. helplessness and learn to largely emphasize social security relat- express and discuss their ed aspects of reform; however, they do As the document’s founder Martha not openly contradict the programs Betriz says, the most important ele- own wishes and fears.” presented above. Arco Progresista calls ment is to “work on the change of for “gradual changes” in its 2004 docu- the way how people think.” The docu- ment entitled Six Pacts, and Todos Uni- ment is open to further debate which dos calls for a freer society in its own will help achieve agreement between 6) Dismantle any military-like document from 2004. groups in opposition and those in organizations and demilitarize exile. When the moment of change society. “We are not divided, that is only what arrives, Cubans “should not think 7) Propose compensation for expropri- Europeans want to believe,” says [that] Three Kings have arrived with ated Cubans because property res- Vladimiro Roca, leader of Todos Uni- their gifts,” as the document says, but titution seems impossible. dos. “We all talk to each other, but instead must be prepared to prevent 8) Involve Cuba in international we don’t need to issue more common any chaos or disruption of security, organizations and agreements, documents, but focus on broadening healthcare, and welfare. such as the IMF and the Cotonou actual work to all the society.” Accords. The transitional government should 9) Free the economy as much as pos- If regular Cubans are to shape their agree to take steps in order to: sible, maintaining low inflation and future by themselves, they must have 1) Liberate political prisoners, consid- basic social security, including, for more space for free debate and more er amnesty, and abolish the death example, loans for new housing. experiences to draw on and to learn

 penalty. Ask for aid from abroad. from.   Ahead of Central Europeans: Draft of TODOS CUBANOS and the traps of past transitions Fredo Arias King

he Working Document (El Docu- The authors of The Working Docu- ing Document that remained almost mento de Trabajo – DT), published ment have studied other transition unchanged in the final document enti- Tafter a long nation-wide discussion, set processes and know very well what tled All Cubans (Todos Cubanos). the basis for a Program entitled “All is necessary for the successful leader- Cubans.” The Program prepares Cubans ship of government in a Post-Commu- Strong points of the Working for the difficult transition process. nist system. Document: Handling power

In 1989 and 1991 many democratic leaders Nevertheless, I would like to point out The CNGT (national council for the transi- in Communist regimes did not rely on a few details which, according to my tion government) appears to have all the similar program when they suddenly had opinion, need to be considered and capacities that are necessary for governing to form governments. In that sense, our discussed in greater depth. It seems the country and dismantling the obstacles friends from the Varela Project (Proyecto political aspects have been studied inherited from the previous regime. The Varela) have taken the lead over other more than the economic ones. With council takes seriously the recommenda- democratic activists at such a phase. this I refer to the parts of The Work- tion of the democrats to concentrate all 1/2007 UES G O L IA D E P EURO - UBA C Marta Betriz Roque with McMillan-Scott Edward political powers in their hands during officers) according to its own needs. It It advocates a takeover of all means of com- the initial stage of transition, in order to will assume the executive and legisla- munication by the CNGT board. During the later create Montesquieu‘s “checks and tive powers. transition period, the media should pro- balances.” Democrats in Eastern Europe mote pluralist information but should also often associated authority with dictator- Unlike several transition leaders in other be under the firm control of liberal powers ship. They kept their hands tied prior to parts of the world, the authors of the (of all ideological orientations). Later the undertaking the hard work and later had Document are aware that repression could media should be privatized, their owners to pay the price. “be transferred in liquid form” to the for- being, ideally, both former dissidents and eign bank accounts of Communist officials foreign investors, as in the case of the Adam The Working Document considers the and later again be transformed into polit- Michnik‘s Polish daily, Gazeta Wyborcza. abolition of the current constitution ical power. Therefore, they consider find- and the summoning of a constituent ing and confiscating “the liquid repression” Vojislav Koštunica, the former president assembly to discuss new fundamental of the Communist Party of Cuba and its of Yugoslavia, refused to confiscate the laws. Several transition systems have related organizations, including also what means of communication from deposed used their existing constitutions (in is referred to as “mixed enterprises.” president Slobodan Milošević ‘s allies. curtailed form) but this made later Consequently, the democratic powers political work more difficult. and the government of Zoran Djindjić (who was later assassinated) lost their The Working Document acknowledges Many democratic popularity very rapidly, since the media mechanisms used in some Eastern Euro- leaders in Communist represented an illiberal opposition irrec- pean countries, the three most politically oncilably loyal to a different project. successful – the Czech Republic, Estonia regimes did not rely on and Eastern Germany), where an interim a similar program when The program contemplates renegotiating transition government was established the exterior debt contracted by the Com- to manage the difficult tasks and to give they suddenly had to munist regime. The debt represents an society time to get organized and pre- form governments. The important issue and foreign governments pared for free elections. Hungary and and banks are usually generous towards some countries did not have the advan- authors of Todos Cubanos the transition countries (as in the case of tage of an interim government and have taken a lead Poland). Hungary decided not to renegoti- instead immediately introduced a politi- ate its debts, thus affecting the priorities cal party system. Consequently, the coun- over other democratic of the liberalization and privatization proc- try’s reconstruction was slightly delayed. activists at such a phase. ess. Debts with Russia, Venezuela and Bra- zil should be unilaterally repudiated. Unlike others, this Working Document does not confuse punishment with meas- It emphasizes economic freedom with social ures of decommunization. When contem- The authors of the Working Document approach. If interpreted correctly, the model plating the dissolution of the Communist are aware that true reconciliation will lead to a better performing economy. Party and its related organizations, the can be achieved only if the regime’s However, if interpreted differently (the well- Document uses the right arguments and archives are opened to the public in known “Third Way”), it will result in a weak emphasizes, at several points, that ideol- order to make the relationships, abus- economy, “equal distribution of poverty” and ogy is not to be punished. The authors es, etc., more transparent and possible exclusive opportunities for elite insiders. are aware that the Communist Party of to prove, and to ensure that amnesty Cuba is more a network of complicities will not bring impunity. Pitfalls: Economic reform (or a “control mechanism”) than a party pursuing certain ideology. Countries that did not carry out such Every transition program of this type steps gave an artificial advantage to is replete with contradictions as it It discusses an immediate dissolution of those who knew the content of the strives to please all of the groups that the major Communist entities (the Min- archives (the abusers) at the expense of need to coalesce. These difficulties, of istry of Interior, shock troops and the those who did not (the victims). The Doc- course, can be ignored once the break- militia), while the CNGT will carry out ument therefore considers finding, confis- through happens. However, keep in changes of the lower level ranks (judges, cating, guarding and using the archives mind that the Working Document has

 municipal authorities and other public for the purposes of democratic powers. some potentially serious pitfalls.   The Working Document contemplates var- has collapsed, these agreements should The part of the Document concerning ious social guarantees and their related not be kept. Unlike Lech Wałęsa and the banking system does not consider costs. The reason why this is included in Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Havel was aware of what could be one of the most important the Document is perfectly understanda- that. He kept changing the rules when reforms of the post-Communist transition ble, but at the same time it is necessary negotiating with the Communists until period: removing the elements of the pre- to consider that such measures can raise they lost their power; contrary to Havel, vious banking regime; preventing them expectations among the population and Wałęsa and Mazowiecki carried on their from opening new banks; and adopting minimize the feeling of sacrifice that will anachronistic “round table” commit- strict banking legislation that will allow have to be made at the beginning. ments even after the Communist Party only the most prestigious and transparent in Poland had collapsed. banks to enter the country’s market. Helmut Kohl and Lothar de Mazière made a similar mistake, promising Western The Document seems to guarantee It is well known, as the former prime minis- Germans that the union with the Ger- the Communists positions in the gov- ter of Estonia said, that in the post-Commu- man Democratic Republic would not add ernment. If this proposal is somehow nist transition processes, all problems start in any additional costs, and promising East- adopted, the Communists who will feel banks. Communists are interested in banks ern Germans that their standards of liv- because, through them, they have the capi- ing would reach the level of the Federal tal and information to capture first industry, Republic of Germany in five years. In Rus- and then politics. Because Laar Mart was sia, Yeltsin assured his country that the The authors are aware that aware of this fact, he did not let that hap- economic slump would last one year. the Communist Party of pen in Estonia, which is the only country in the area that did not suffer a banking crisis Some think Kohl and de Mazière should Cuba is more a network of (or a return of the Communists). have been honest and introduce a pol- complicities (or a control icy similar to Churchill’s “Blood, Toil, The Working Document presumes that a Tears and Sweat.” The call for sacrifice mechanism) than a party group of bureaucrats will have “the nec- is often met with a surprisingly good pursuing certain ideology. essary up-to-date information concern- reaction from the population, ena- ing the needs of enterprises and the bling the reforms during the “Window Cuban nation in general… Using these of Opportunity.” Although the call for presuppositions the SCNCE (national sacrifice is not mentioned in the Docu- affected by the lustration and decom- subcomission on external trade) will ment, it will have to be made immedi- munization measures could use it as an impose regulations on external trade.” ately after the fall of the Communism. argument before court, since on page 48 the document explicitly says that “the However, in a liberal First-World econ- The Working Document does not clear- citizen members of the Communist omy the government does not aim ly state how long it will take before it Party of Cuba that hold administrative to directly “control” financial flows, is approved in a referendum once the offices… or are in the Government, will external trade and its conditions. The Communist regime has collapsed. In be allowed to remain in their offices at above-mentioned approach represents such case, who will be holding power? their request, being submitted only to the dirigiste and anti-liberal spirit of the administrative authority, and follow- a Third-World country present in other Most likely, an interim committee will ing the direction defined by the PCP el( parts of the Document as well. be established even before the refer- Plan Cuba Primero – Cuba First plan).” endum; or the Communist parliament could feel obliged to elect one of the The Working Document considers intro- Fredo Arias-King is the founder of the academic dissidents as new president of Cuba ducing several measures of a state-con- quarterly Demokratizatsiya: The Journal of Post-Soviet before the elections will take place trolled economy, which will not be Democratization, published continuously since 1992. (as in the case of Czechoslovakia and necessary – and could even represent Between March of 1999 and July of 2000, he was senior 1/2007 advisor on international affairs to the National Action

Václav Havel in December 1989). an obstacle in a well-managed market UES G O

economy. I am afraid that such measures, Party of Mexico. He also has advised democratic forces in L IA

Moldova, Russia, Peru, Cuba, Belarus and Ukraine. He writes D

In any case, the democrats should enter as proposed, will encourage corruption E P into any agreement with the Communist and bureaucracy, create difficulties with on transitions to democracy and is the author of two EURO authorities that breaks their monopoly. property rights and unnecessarily pro- books, the latest of which, Transiciones: La experiencia de - UBA However, once the Communist power long the painful transition period. Europa del Este, was published in Buenos Aires in 2005. C NOTES ON THE PROPOSAL OF THE CUBAN CONSTITUTION Vojtěch Cepl

very constitution is a part of the whose achievement is not altogeth- debate that dealt with the trans- rule of law and all its provisions er feasible. These notes are meant to formation of the country and the shouldE be legally enforceable. Com- pinpoint the most ambitious and tele- future democratic organization of parative constitutional studies clas- ological provisions, which may make Cuba. One of its parts is an exten- sify the proposal of the future Cuban the enforcement of the document sive constitutional proposal, repre- constitution as an Aspirational Con- more difficult. senting several different trends and stitution, since it includes a program disputes among the opposition. The for the future and the objectives that The Program for All Cubans (Todos following notes provide a brief sum- the country intends to pursue but Cubanos) is the result of a three year mary of this document. Photo by Pavel Hroch by Photo Pavel 

10 11

The Constitution And Ad Article VI: To the right for free Apropos, if the National Popu- Its Structure movement within Cuba, two further lar Assembly is not a traditional- rights should be added – the right to ly established name, I would dare A modern constitution usually con- travel freely abroad and the right to suggest a simple name of National sists of two parts. The first part, con- emigrate. Assembly. In my opinion, the word sidered a constitution in the narrow “popular” seems to be a pleonasm sense, comprises provisions concern- Ad Article VIII: I believe the title itself and an euphemism. ing the establishment of the supreme – “Work And Property” – expresses a bodies of the state, their powers and restrictive attitude towards private Ad Article XIII: The provision on interrelationships and their dissolu- property. The recognition of the inal- judicial power requires a separa- tion. Generally, the “pillars of state” ienable right to work according to tion of judicial and legislative pow- are divided into the legislative, the personal skills and to an adequate ers, however, it does not stipulate executive and the judicial branch. remuneration for the work according the separation of judicial and exec- Moreover, some other supreme insti- to quantity and quality are not legal- utive powers, which is more impor- tutions are now being added, such ly claimable. tant. Moreover, the constitutional as an ombudsman, a supreme audit proposal lacks provisions on judi- office and a central bank. On the cial immunity and on the admin- other hand, the second part, usually istrative and disciplinary respon- known as the Bill of Rights, provides Comparative sibility of the judges. Neither did I for the relationship between the cit- constitutional studies find any provision on prosecution. izens and the state. The drawback The prosecution is mentioned only of the proposal is not the unusual, classify the proposal briefly and further details are left inverse order of the two parts, but of the future Cuban for a special law. rather the imbalance between them. The constitution in the narrow sense constitution as an By way of conclusion, I would like is too sketchy and does not include Aspirational Constitution, to point out that this program lacks provisions on judicial review, admin- a clear policy regarding rehabilita- istrative justice, supreme audit office since it includes a tion, property restitution, privati- or on an independent bank board. program for the future zation, lustration and decommuni- sation, which is essential for the Comments on Individual and the objectives that transition from totality to democ- Articles: the country intends racy. Although I admit that in the present phase, these issues should Ad Article I: The provision according to to pursue but whose not be announced officially, I believe which the state shall guarantee that achievement is not they should already be considered. all citizens capable of work will have The program deals with these prob- an opportunity to find employment is altogether feasible. lems only by establishing concilia- too ambitious and not realistic. tory commissions, however, these commissions will not have any “lus- Ad Article V: The fact that any attempt tration” or judicial power. The com- at preventing someone from access to Ad Article X: The organization and missions are only mentioned in the the comforts of a social state is con- function of state bodies does not interim provisions, but they are not sidered a crime is exaggerated. The clearly explain the basic principle of closely specified. present list of citizen rights is not the division of powers, free compe- clear and is comprised of both heter- tition between political parties, the ogenous political rights, such as stand- principle of the government of laws, Vojtěch Cepl, Member of the Drafting 1/2007 Committee for the Czech Constitution (1992)

ing for election, and social rights, such a legally consistent state and consti- UES G O as access to education and free health tutionalism. Furthermore, this sec- and Justice of the Constitutional Court of the L IA

Czech Republic (1993–2003), is a professor D

care. Rather than calling this article tion usually provides for the nation- E P “Equality,” its provisions should be con- al emblem, flag, anthem, capital city of law at Charles University in Prague and EURO sistently divided into basic political and other national symbols. at several distinguished US universities. - UBA rights and liberties, and social rights. C Cuba and the keys of the Spanish transition to democracy Carlos Alberto Montaner Cuba Transition to Democracy Summit, October 2006

idel Castro will die shortly and a instituting pluralism, civil liberties and King Juan Carlos, who since childhood remarkable opportunity will arise majority government. Three years later, had been carefully taught to carry on toF alter the history of Cuba. It is time- in 1981, the Socialists – the big losers in Franco‘s authoritarian tradition, began ly, then, to look at similar experienc- the Civil War – gained control of to the to move in the direction of democracy es and try to learn from them. Let us government. That process, which was not shortly after donning the crown. He turn to the transition in Spain and uti- exempt from dangers, tensions and a cer- wanted his monarchy to be like Eng- lize the efficient educational technique tain amount of violence, was called the land‘s or the Netherlands‘, subject to of questions and answers. transition and had Adolfo Suárez as its the control of Parliament. To Juan Car- los, it was obvious that his legitimacy What happened in Spain? as a ruler should not come from Fran- co‘s will but from the people‘s will. In November 1975, Gen. Francisco Franco In the same manner died in Madrid after governing Spain with as the Franquistas At the urging of Suárez, most of the an iron hand for 36 years. He was the Franquistas moved to the right of cent- military chief and political caudillo who discovered that there was er of the political spectrum, forging a won the Civil War (1936–1939). After his life beyond Francoism, coalition with certain Christian Demo- triumph, he established a long, authori- crats and Liberals, renouncing authori- tarian, single-party dictatorship that the Cuban Communists tarianism and the Fascist view of a sin- was closer to national-Catholicism than will inevitably reach the gle party. Suárez even managed to lead to Falangism. His regime began looking the Liberal Internationale, to which he very much like totalitarian fascism but same conclusion: there is added the adjective “progressive.” ended with certain minimal (and closely life beyond Communism. watched) spaces of political freedom and The Catholic Church, which had been a great deal of economic freedom. an accomplice of Francoism during the first 20 years of the dictatorship, also Surprisingly, after the dictator‘s death principal architect. Suárez had come from moved away from religious fundamen- a process of change began – against all Francoism and, although he was not wide- talism and allowed Spain to adopt a lay expectations and at a speed no one could ly known, was considered by some to be a and free profile. The spirit of the Vati- have imagined – that culminated in 1978 dictatorship “hawk.” He wasn‘t. can II council had penetrated deeply with the promulgation of a new Consti- into the vision of the Church. tution that brought Spain in line with How did it all happen? all the European democracies. Francoism, The Communist Party accepted the exist- it was said at the time, had committed Although everyone justly attributes to ence of a parliamentary monarchy as a hara-kiri. Overturning the laws and the Suárez the leading role in the transi- form of government, renounced Leninism Constitutional restraints installed by Fran- tion, the truth is that almost all the as a method of struggle and abandoned coism, Parliament approved changes that political factors behaved with prudence its efforts to achieve power by fostering

 transformed the political face of Spain, and moved in the right direction. social disorder, workers‘ strikes and acts of 12 13 violence. Instead, it abided by the peaceful The European democracies in the 1970s, anny; but they were very few and by rules of parliamentary democracy. led by France and Germany in the midst that time had almost no emotional con- of the Cold War, had a special interest in nection with the people. The Socialist Party also acknowledged seeing that the dictatorships remaining the existence of a parliamentary democ- in Europe (Greece, Portugal and Spain) The change also had an obvious direc- racy. If the Socialists in Sweden and the became Allied democracies that would tor: then-called European Economic Com- Laborites in Britain could govern under strengthen the southern Mediterranean munity. Spain did not have to remain the ritual shade of the monarchy, why region and cooperate in the construction isolated from the rest of the booming couldn‘t the Spaniards? In addition, at of a common economic space. For that Europe that emerged from World War a congress held in 1979, the Socialists reason, they pressured Madrid, helped II. The old dictum by Ortega y Gasset explicitly renounced the Marxist vision the emerging democratic political par- remained applicable: ”Spain is the prob- of the economy and society. ties and conditioned Spain‘s entry into lem; Europe is the solution.“ The change the European Economic Community and was not a leap into the void. Everybody The labor unions – though deeply pen- NATO to a total opening of the country‘s knew what the objective was. etrated by the Communists – and the economy and political system. business owners – many of whom were The youngest sectors of the Francoite accustomed to the protection furnished Why did it happen? ruling class did not see themselves in by Francoism – were able to negotiate the mythology of the Civil War and their differences peaceably and establish This exemplary political process managed they secretly abhorred the tired and a modus vivendi based on cooperation and to succeed basically for three reasons: anachronistic discourse created in a gradual increase in their contributions the 1930s during the head-on clashes to the social services. Those accords, spon- All the actors had something very sol- between Communists and Fascists. The sored by the government, were called id to gain, as Game Theory would later young Franquistas did not see them- The Moncloa Pacts – because they were explain. They all needed each other and selves as the victorious heroes of a negotiated at Moncloa Palace – and they therefore all were willing to cede some- heroic feat (as the old-timers did) but guaranteed the social and economic sta- thing to gain something in return.The as the hapless defenders of a regime bility the country needed to transitions only net losers were the orthodox Fran- that was more-or-less repudiated by a towards an open political model. quistas, convinced of the virtues of tyr- majority of the people. 1/2007 UES G O L IA D E P EURO - UBA C Carlos Alberto Carlos Montaner in Prague What‘s the relationship Compared with the misery wrought by nificent opportunity to bury the regime between Cuba and Spain? Castroism, Spain in 1975, when Franco and, with it, the historical period that died, was a middle-class society that has been totally overtaken. With the Until 1898, Cuba was a political and his- had attained 75 percent of the per- death of this type of dictator all the loy- toric portion of Spain. Those links had capita earnings of the EEC. Millions of alties founded on personal relations, not lasted for 400 years but were not severed Spaniards had savings in the bank and on ideological links disappear. when the Republic came into being – they 80 percent lived in their own homes. At were strengthened. Cuba continued to be that time, the level of unemployment The key to the transition lies in creating an essentially Spanish society through- was very low and so was the cost of liv- the conditions so that everyone, or almost out the 20th Century, especially in the ing (though wages were low, too). everyone, sees the change as an opportu- first several decades, just like the United nity to improve living conditions for one- States, at least for a while, continued to There were other fundamental differenc- self and one‘s relatives. In the same man- be spiritually and culturally a British ter- es. In Spain, property rights existed and ner as the Franquistas discovered that ritory even after the former‘s independ- were respected. And, with the excep- there was life beyond Francoism, the ence in the late 18th Century. tion of politics, where special, harsh Cuban Communists will inevitably reach and arbitrary legislation applied, the the same conclusion: there is life beyond Between 1902, when the island had bare- courts dispensed justice in accordance Communism. And that, of course, is easy ly one and a half million inhabitants, and with the law. Spain had an orderly and to verify by reading the history of what 1926, when the first laws against immi- clean society that had reached the high- once was Communist Europe. gration were enacted, almost one mil- est level of development in the nation‘s lion Spaniards migrated to Cuba and the history. Although other countries, like It is smart to propitiate a sort of collec- human links between the two countries France, Italy and Germany, had grown a tive historic amnesia that leads to the tightened. Cuba continued to be a very lot more than Spain after WWII, Spain‘s reconciliation of societies. A former min- Spanish nation. This explains, for example, progress was nothing to sneer at. ister in Franco‘s government whose father why during the colonial war in Morocco, was executed by the Reds during the Civil fought by Spain to put down a rebellion Without a doubt, when it came to the War phrased it this way: “I cannot fix and in the 1920s, about 1,000 Cuban volun- economy, income distribution, social pro- save the past. I can only save the future.“ teers fought in the International Brigades, tection and quality of life, Francoism had That attitude is compatible with the total a huge number – proportionally speaking been successful. It is possible, then, that freedom of expression and publication – given the small population of the island. that relative well-being, accompanied by that will enable everyone to tell their At the same time, the ups and downs of the strong hand of Francoism, made the experiences and air their grievances with- the Spanish war were part and parcel of Spaniards more conservative and pru- out resorting to the official “truth com- the impassioned political debate in Cuba. dent; they had real achievements to pre- missions“ that only manages to needlessly serve. And that‘s quite different from the complicate the transition processes. There were also some secret links: the panorama of failure we see in Cuba. political gangsterism that flourished in How can we contribute to a Cuba in the 1930s and ‘40s was reminis- Can the Spanish transition serve peaceful transition in Cuba? cent of the pistolerismo carried out by as a guideline for the Cubans? the anarchist labor unions in Catalonia There are several measures that can in the 1920s. The Cuban revolutionary Of course. Several lessons can be help Cubans. The most important may vision of the 1930s resembled (or was learned from the Spanish experience: be these: inspired by) the radicalism of numerous Spaniards. Moreover, the Cuban Constitu- It is not true that societies are by nature The United States and the European tion of 1940 owes much to the Spanish reluctant to engage in democratic behav- Union must make it very clear (and Constitution of 1931. ior, as Franco believed and Castro believes. repeat in private or in public every time Perhaps the horror of a long dictatorial it‘s useful or necessary) that the only Are there major differences between Spain period makes the people more reflective legitimate and acceptable goal is the during the transition and today‘s Cuba? and distrustful, which makes them more establishment in Cuba of a plural democ- reluctant to follow the caudillos. racy where human rights are respected. Of course; the historic and political In other words, there will be no give-and- ties between the two countries cannot The death of the dictator is to all – the take with political dictatorships that lim-

 hide the big differences between them. government and the opposition – a mag- it an opening to the economic field. 14 15 The U.S. and the E.U. must continue to READY FOR THE CHANGE: give all kinds of support, symbolic and APSC PROGRAM practical, to the democrats in the opposi- tion, both inside and outside Cuba. That support must be combined with public The goal of the Assembly to Promote Civil transition process. The APSC has made it clear denunciation of the abuses Cubans suf- Society in Cuba (APSC) is to prepare the that this document contains a message about fer at the hands of the dictatorship. emerging civil society for change. In order what such changes may bring. to achieve this goal the executive commit- Initiatives such as the ones put forth by tee of the APSC has written several impor- The Assembly’s main task is to make the Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a key tant documents. Last August the APSC population aware of what scenarios are pos- figure in the process of pacification of published a text entitled “Para propiciar el sible and what to expect from them. In order Central America, must be encouraged. día después” (To Make Tomorrow Better). to do so, the representatives of the APSC have promoted the idea of discussing the It is advisable to maintain the econom- This twenty seven page document presents document amongst general members of the ic pressures on the dictatorship, as the ideas which will help Cubans consider regime Assembly. The text could then be discussed United States and Europe do, with the change. The executive committee aims to during the first Congress of Independent understanding that they will be elimi- offer guidelines for action that will also serve Libraries and Social and Cultural Information nated as soon as a genuine process of to outline a plan for transition. The repre- Centres (Congreso de Bibliotecas independi- change begins in Cuba. sentatives of the APSC understand that they entes y de Centros de Información sociocul- must be prepared when the long-awaited tural; 10.10. 2007 – 24.2. 2008). It is vital to expand the conduits of infor- transition process finally begins. mation to the Cuban people via Radio The Cuban government spreads false infor- and TV Martí, the Internet and any chan- By promoting this document, the APSC is mation about the country’s present con- nel of information that manages to break encouraging consensus on the themes dis- dition. To combat this, it is essential to the dictatorship‘s news blockade. cussed within the document. These themes increase awareness of the current Cuban emerged from discussiosn within the fif- situation. Cubans must become aware The plans for future aid to a democratic teen commissions of the General Meeting of the ideas and concepts that surround Cuba must be given maximum publicity, of the APSC in May 2005. the scenario in which they live in order to so Cubans may see clearly that change understand the inevitibility of change. will bring them a reasonable climate of With this document, the executive commit- material prosperity and security. tee of the APSC aims to provide much need- ed analysis of the current situation in order Lucas Garve is a Cuban independent journalist It would be good to leave the door open to prepare Cuban society for the start of the and a member of Freedom of Expression Foundation so Cuba may join the Free Trade Area of the Americas if that‘s what the Cubans decide to do in a democratic future. It would also be very useful for Cubans to learn the enormous advantages that Photo by Pavel Hroch by Photo Pavel that accord has brought to Mexico so they might imagine what it could bring to Cuba. It would be the equivalent of the stimulus felt by the Spaniards when they learned that the establishment of a democratic regime would take them into the European Union. 1/2007 UES G O

Carlos Alberto Montaner is a journalist L IA

and writer who has published more then D E P twenty books on Cuba and democracy in Latin EURO America. He founded the Cuban Liberal Union - UBA C and is Vice President of Liberal International. OPINION Comments about NGO recommendations for EU policy on Cuba Markus Meckel

ast month in Brussels, a group of Even though the government does not Havanna and some have even suc- fifteen European NGOs and -vari seem to be very receptive, we have to ceeded. These provide a good means ousL MEPs presented to the press a set keep making proposals for construc- for Cuban citizens to stay in touch of recommendations for the EU policy tive co-operation. with intellectual currents in the glo- on Cuba. They consisted of supporting bal arena. In a country that has suf- dissidents, encouraging an independ- fered isolation and economic depres- ent civil society, providing for the free sion for decades, these centres pro- flow of information and targeting the Despite frustrating vide an important breathing space. Cuban regime with punitive measures experiences and These institutions do not have a polit- in cases of human rights violations. ical mission but they can help people harassment by the develop their own view of the world In general, I agree with these recom- Cuban authorities, and learn how to think independently. mendations and I especially share those Cuba needs intelligent and well versed that are geared towards the promotion diplomatic missions people to guide it to the future. of civil society development and sup- should try to spread port for dissidents in Cuba. The Euro- Any measure that increases Cubans’ pean Union has to take a clear stance information and to contacts with the world around them with regards to supporting democratic provide uncensored should be welcome. If the authori- forces at home and abroad. ties turn us down again and again, access to the Internet. we shall let the Cuban public know The West learned from the past that that a helping hand from Europe has its hopes of a “change through rap- been brushed aside. Despite frustrat- prochement” in its dealings with the ing experiences and harassment by former Eastern bloc regimes had a In particular, we should not shy away the Cuban authorities, diplomatic mis- flaw. The change was conceived solely from official contacts and practical co- sions should try to spread information as a change “from the top down.” This operation that aims to disseminate and to provide access uncensored to concept did not accommodate new information to the Cuban public that the Internet. political actors emerging from with- increases the people’s exposure to in society. Indeed, they were often outside world. Academic and cultural viewed skeptically as a factor of insta- exchange programmes are a case in Markus Meckel, German Bundestag MP for bility and left alone. point. These enable experts to travel SPD, was a founding member of the oppositional abroad and allow foreign experts to Social Democrats in communist Germany and As a consequence, the way to deal do research or even teach at Cuban participated in “round-table” talks. He served as with the regime should be re-evaluat- schools for a while. We are in dire the first democratic elected Foreign Minister of the ed. The EU shall not restrict itself to need of more such exchanges. GDR after the first free election in Eastern Germany. punitive sanctions only. It has to be Meckel, who is a member of ICDC, travelled to Cuba proactive in order to be able to influ- Furthermore, some countries have to meet dissidents and government officials. On a

 ence future development on the island. tried to open cultural centres in second trip he was denied a visa by Cuban authorities. 16 17 OPINION The Future of Cuba in the Hands of the Generals José Antonio Fornaris

hen Carlos Aldana was considered To a large extent, this has been the Nevertheless, Castro`s heir, the Army the third most powerful man in absolute guideline. However, every- General and the President of the Coun- WCuba, a colleague told me that he had body now knows Castro is seriously cil of State and Minister Raúl Castro, attended a meeting of the Provincial ill. It is unlikely that he will be able is totally committed to the regime. He Committee of the Cuban Communist to take charge of all the power he has has always been the second in charge, Party in Havana, chaired by Fidel Cas- been holding for almost fifty years. and it seems that he will try to fol- tro, where different international issues low the ways of the Maximum Leader had been discussed. At this meeting, the What will happen when the caudillo dis- as far as the circumstances will allow leader, referring to capitalism, had stat- appears for good? With Castro or with- him to do so. ed that China had opened its door, Viet- out, the regime of orthodox communism, nam had opened its window, but Cuba which is very close to absolutism, does not Raúl Castro is an old man, aged 75. would not even roll up its blinds. have much to do with modern world. He has never been as charismatic and Photo by Pavel Hroch Pavel by Photo 1/2007 UES G O L IA D E P EURO -

UBA C Cuba as shrewd of a politician as his broth- tant man, was tried and sentenced to interests, this may actually be positive er. A strong leader for the most part death, everything was quite differ- rather than negative. of his almost five decades in power, ent. Although he had been demoted Fidel has achieved absolute control of before the trial, it was thought that In terms of democracy, one might the country, which in the past was a a person of his position could not be think that the public could demand progressive republic with all of the sentenced and shot without the gen- all their rights that have been typical institutions. Raúl is not like erals’ approval. infringed, but everybody knows that Fidel and, whether he likes it or not, a left-wing dictatorship is the worst he has to hurry and take measures We are not wrong to say that these of all, since it takes control of all which would benefit the general pub- men have a great portion of power. property and invalidates the rule of lic. Otherwise he could be overrun by In the terms of a monarchy, they are law. We must remember that practi- the course of events. the lords that the king must listen to. cally all diversions towards democ- racy in communist countries were When Fidel casts no more shadow on taken by those in power, or at least the government, we may very well see with their approval. some progress, including amnesty for The people who make political prisoners, adjustments in for- the decisions that may In this sense, Cuba, like Romania, eign policy and decisions which would would be an exception.But as in Roma- improve the life of Cuban people at be momentous for the nia, the change would have to be sup- least in some way. Yet to be able to future of the country ported by the army. Cuban generals carry out such changes and to slightly are somewhat special because they refresh the regime, Raúl will have to are actually the army used to be young and humble parti- “roll up the blinds.” generals. All of them sans and now have become people of national importance. However, all gen- Although this is prospect is only have been guerrillas erals, after all, are only human, and in hypothetical, it is quite possible. Raúl in the past, and others this case, all of them are already old. Castro has made his limited admin- istrative term seem as if he did not who hold offices in The assumption is that most of Cuba`s always play the leading role and he the political and civil generals, if not all of them, want to assured the public that the only heir bequeath the possibility of living in a to Fidel is the Communist Party. How- hierarchy, will take on peaceful country, with good prospects ever, the people who make the deci- the uniform with their of development, that is set in the sions that may be momentous for modern world and that has the suffi- the future of the country are actu- badges to face any cient potential for fulfilling the hopes ally the army generals. All of them difficulty which may of its people, to their grandsons have been guerrillas in the past, and others hold offices in the political seem a little serious. Either against the will of the gener- and civil hierarchy, but take on the als, or with their consent, democratic uniform with their badges when they countries should openly and enduring- face any difficulty which may seem a ly demand respect for Western values, little serious. Until now, they have been answerable including free, just and multi-party to the man who had helped them rise elections. There is nothing that may Carlos Aldana was the ideologist of from obscurity and poverty, but now seem unchangeable when those who the Central Committee of the Cuban little is left of this man. know perfectly well that without lib- Communist Party. He seemed to be erty, a human being is utterly incom- a man of some power within the Nowadays, the generals are probably plete, claim liberty themselves. nomenklatura, but he did not belong in control of everything that is impor- to the old guard. He was defenestrated tant for the economy. It is no secret without any major difficulty. that the Armed Forces have influence José Antonio Fornaris is an on the essential sectors of Cuban econ- independent journalist living in Cuba. He is However in 1989, when the general omy. Yet, considering the fact that a cofounder of Cuba-Verdad press agency

 Arnaldo Ochoa, a seemingly unimpor- people tend to take care of their own and publishes regularly at cubanet.org 18 19 Charter 77 after thirty years Miroslav Kusý

n January 1977 first Czechoslovak citi- one hand, the regime could not refuse sations paid for by the West. Since it zens signed a document called Charter to comply either with the Helsinki Final could not refuse constructive dialogue 77I that united the political opposition Act from 1975, referred to by the Char- with its citizens (an actual leitmotif of and called upon the representatives of ter, or with both International Cove- the Declaration); it described the signa- the Communist regime to respect the nants on Human Rights signed by the tories as castaways and renegades and human rights covenant. Now, thirty regime and effective since 1976. On the claimed that any discussion with them years after, I would like to mention the other hand, however, its representa- is principally out of the question. feelings and doubts I had when signing tives knew that complying with these Charter 77. I believe it may bring hope international documents would lead to All this was the content of the Charter; to Cubans and many others, that signing a political suicide. The regime could not however, its true value was even higher, such document is not a vain effort. admit that it considered the Charter to which is what I slowly came to realize. be a worthless scrap of paper, therefore Above all, the signatories were not an Originally I believed Charter 77 was it could not accept the critique in the anonymous mass or group of secret a great move of the political strat- introductory Declaration of Charter 77 conspirators. They publicly declared egy employed by the dissent against that convicted it of such attitude. Con- themselves signatories of the Charter the normalization regime of president sequently the regime launched a vio- and made their name and address avail- Husák in the then Czechoslovakia. On lent campaign about mendacious accu- able to the party and the government, photo by Pavel Hroch by Pavel photo 1/2007 UES G O L IA D

E P EURO - UBA C Dama de Blanco and therefore the secret police (StB) as new cynical and pragmatic generation non-political politicians of such social ini- well. Every signatory was aware of that of the StB inspectors. tiatives as Charter 77. Its aim was not to and had to bear the consequences of enter the real politics, but to change it, his or her signature. It was a civil ini- Because of all this, it was difficult to to uncover it, show it in a true light and tiative with all that it bears, the initia- remain a member of Charter 77. One thus change its morals. tive of individual, unique citizens who couldn’t just sign and then leave. The knew that the day after signing the Communists wouldn’t let the signer do You might say it isn’t much, not even Charter the secret police would come that. They tried to force the signatories worth mentioning, but Havel gave the and see them. who felt weakened or less convinced Charter a program thanks to which to ostentatiously take their signatures it managed the same as the child in In that sense, signing the Charter was back. Thus every signer had to decide on Andersen’s famous fairy-tale, who was a deed of civil courage. It was not the what to do with his or her life. However, the first to say: the king is naked! Eve- blind and spontaneous courage of a not even the Charter itself would simply rybody knew it, but somebody had to person who does not consider the con- let the member do that. The Charter was come and say it aloud to break the mag- sequences of his or her deeds, but a a civil initiative and signing the docu- ic of the ideological haze (Šimečka). deliberate courage of a person who is ments was only a beginning, a decision aware of the impact and says: this is Yes, the Charter only said aloud what something I stand for wholeheartedly. everybody saw and knew but what they The signatories of the Charter knew didn’t have the courage to follow as what was yet to come and the regime Thirty years after, I would knowledge and act according to it. When offered them a chance to take their sig- like to mention the the people heard these words uttered on nature back and bring themselves back. the squares, they started laughing at the Although the pressure of the regime feelings and doubts I had naked king, they stopped being afraid of was enormous, only few gave in. when signing Charter 77. him. They took the keys in their hands and rang them to celebrate their victory It was also an act of assuming the civil I believe it may bring over the fear and oppression. co-responsibility for the current state of hope to Cubans and public affairs in the country. Criticizing I know I simplified the whole story a the regime and its dictatorship in itself many others, that bit, but I do stand by its basic out- won’t do. According to the Charter each signing such document line, since that is what convinced me person bears responsibility for the gen- that Charter 77 was not only a great eral state of things, that is to say, he or is not a vain effort. move of the political strategy to fight she is also responsible for following the against the Communist tyranny. It enacted agreements that, after all, bind became a life attitude of the signato- not only the governments, but the citi- of the signatory to live as a full-fledged ries, because it is impossible to live in zens as well. The signatories of the Char- citizen, and that is not easy at all. truth only when it suits us. ter accepted the co-responsibility. The basic task of the initiative was pure In that sense the message of the Char- In such context, reproaches to the sig- and simple: give things and events their ter is still relevant in every country. natories uttered by some of the hidden right names and not accept the regime’s And I am sure that sooner or later “the dissidents were rather false and hypo- hypocrisy, its slogans, pseudo-brands and signatories” will appear everywhere critical: Why do you have to be such rhetoric. According to an essay by Václav and follow that message. exhibitionists! Why do you scream aloud Havel, life in truth was the true Power of something we all secretly believe any- the Powerless (the essay’s title). It was a 30th December, 2006 way! It is a useless irritation of the Com- program, often ridiculed by Havel’s oppo- munists that won’t lead anywhere! You nents as pure utopia, inconvenient politi- should learn a lesson from us, persons cal pretence that should not be part of Miroslav Kusý is a university professor in Slovakia. that are rewarded by the regime for a the real politics. But the Charter wasn’t He was one of the founders of the Charter 77 fictitious and formal collaboration. That meant to be a political guideline for movement and was imprisoned for political reasons. is the way to make the regime more professional politicians, since they exist and more weak. After some time, I was within a different level of social relations.

 shocked to hear these words from the Havel’s life in truth was a program for 20 21 NGO NETWORK: RECENT EVENTS Kristina Prunerová

BACKGROUND The idea of working together more and 2) coordinating awareness-raising closely and coordinating activities both activities in Europe. Non-governmental organizations sup- on the island and in Europe has been porting independent civil society in Cuba around for some time. Last year, the LATEST ACTIVITIES OF THE NETWORK can now be found in almost every coun- third anniversary of the Cuban Black try of Europe. They carry out very similar Spring (commemorating the crackdown Policy papers published by the NGO activities both on the island and abroad. on Cuban opposition of spring 2003) network Within Cuba, their work consists main- was one of the first major events coor- At their first network meeting in April ly in making visits to politically perse- dinated by these NGOs. Under the initi- 2006, the NGOs produced a joint pol- cuted individuals and their families, dis- ative of People in Need, various organi- icy paper with recommendations for seminating information and supporting zations met in Prague in April 2006 and the EU’s Common Position towards independent civil society groups. Outside created an informal NGO network. The Cuba. This policy paper was sent to Cuba, activities focus on informing the network has two main areas of focus: EU Member State Ministry of Foreign European public and decision makers 1) sharing experiences for supporting Affairs representatives as well as to about the real situation in Cuba, and the democratic opposition in Cuba and representatives of various EU institu- making policy recommendations. formulating project recommendations; tions. The network published a second 1/2007 UES G O L IA D E P EURO - UBA C Onyskiewicz, in McMillan-Scott, inBrussels Rubio a conference andICDC press Hořejš policy paper in September 2006, focus- to send a Christmas or New Year post- press information leaflets and the quar- ing on current discussions about the card to the Ladies in White. terly magazine “Cuba Report,” the ISHR EU’s mid-term strategy towards Cuba, informs the public, especially media which shall be adopted during the On September 18, another Slovakian and politicians, about human rights in next EU common policy revision. NGO, the People in Peril Association, Cuba. Press conferences and a symposi- and the Pontis Foundation organized um on Cuba were organized in Novem- The Right to Have a Say. Warsaw a meeting with supporters and donors ber and December. The organization appeals to the EU and the govern- to raise funds for families of Cuban has also developed a regularly updated ments of EU member states political prisoners. Held under the aus- database of information on political Within the framework of the Warsaw pices of Jan Figel of the European Com- prisoners and their families in Cuba. conference “From Solidarity to Democra- mission, the event was also the occa- cy: Can Cuba Achieve Freedom?” hosted sion to present Prisoners of the Island Over the past few months, the Swed- by Lech Walesa Institute, a coalition of of Freedom, a publication depicting ish Christian Democratic International European NGOs launched an appeal to the stories of 15 supported families. Center (www.kicsweden.org) has sent two assist the Cuban people in their strug- delegations of politicians to meet with gle for democracy. The document, The Cuban dissidents in Havana. The center Right to Have a Say, has been sent to has also published the first two issues the 25 Heads of State of the European Last year, the third of La Primavera de Cuba, a bi-monthly Union, the European Ambassadors in anniversary of the Cuban newspaper about Cuba, for Cubans. In Cuba, as well as to the heads of the December, KIC and the Swedish Interna- European institutions. To read it, please Black Spring was one of tional Liberal Centre (www.silc.se) met follow this link: www.icdcprague.org the first major events the Swedish Parliament to present infor- mation on the situation for political pris- ACTIVITIES OF THE NETWORK coordinated by the oners in Cuba and seek financial support MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS European NGOs. They met for the Fund for Cuba’s Political Prisoners, a fund co-run by KIC and SILC which sup- People in Need (www.peopleinneed.cz/ in April 2006 and created ports 15 of the political prisoners from freedominnewyear) has launched a Christ- an informal NGO network the spring of 2003. KIC has also published mas and New Year’s Greeting campaign a book, 690 Vivencias de terribles pesadil- to support those who are unjustly impris- las, written from jail by the political pris- oned in Cuba, Belorussia and Burma. Dur- oner Antonio Díaz Sánchez, in which he ing the campaign, the Czech public was The People in Peril Association began tells his story. given the names of several political pris- publishing a brief newsletter on Cuba oners in these countries and the address- and development in Cuba. The bi- In the last few months the Spanish Asoci- es to their prisons. Over 2500 postcards monthly Slovak language newsletter ación Espanola Cuba en Transición (AECT) were sent during this campaign. is sent to approximately 2500 people has tried to improve ties between people on the mailing list. Furthermore, the in Cuba who are fighting for freedom and The Cuban program of the Slovak Pon- People in Peril Association continues Spanish people who can support their tis Foundation (www.pontisfounda- to work with Slovak young people activities. AECT publishes articles and tion.sk) seeks to raise public awareness through film screenings and discus- interviews of many dissidents in Spanish regarding Cuba both in Slovakia and sions about Cuba at high schools all newspapers and the Internet. They have other central European countries. In over Slovakia. These meetings with also selected Spanish articles on Cuba the autumn of 2006, Pontis organized young people will continue through that could be of interest to Cubans and a series of discussions with university January 2007. have published them in a book about and high school students on the topic Cuba. The week before Christmas, AECT, of human rights in Cuba. Together with The International Society for Human Raúl Rivero, former Cuban political pris- local partners, a public event focusing Rights (ISHR) (www.ishr.org), based in oner and his wife Blanca Reyes, one of on Cuba was organized in Plovdiv, Bul- Frankfurt, Germany, has been working the Damas de Blanco, organized a benefit garia (see article). In December, the for human rights in Cuba since 1977. concert to collect books to be distributed Pontis Foundation launched a solidarity Its main project in winter 2006 was to civil society groups on the island and campaign to give moral support to the filing a 1503-Complaint against Cuba to promote a website for Spanish tourists

 Damas en blanco by appealing to people to the UN-Human Rights Council. Via to Cuba (www.viajaacuba.com). 22 23 new report Human Rights in Cuba at the Twilight of the Castro Era María Luisa Bascur

he general human rights situation tion standards are falling and teach- ly restricts freedom of expression for in Cuba continues to deteriorate ing materials lacking, while adequate reasons of “national security.” Tprecipitously. The Castro government and egalitarian healthcare is but a continues to repress all political and faint memory, with the best facilities Besides the above-mentioned “crimes,” civil dissidence using criminal prosecu- reserved exclusively for currency-pay- in Cuba one can be imprisoned for mis- tions, close surveillance of its citizens, ing health tourists. demeanours ranging from trying to harassment by mobs, police warnings buy or sell anything on the black mar- and travel restrictions. The end result The regime keeps a very tight grip on ket to owning a satellite dish without is that Cubans are systematically its people, through economic hardship official permission. Given the harsh denied the basic rights of free expres- or through the well-oiled and sophis- economic conditions faced by most sion, association, assembly, movement ticated machinery of repression. The citizens in today’s Cuba, very few can and due process of law. two main pillars of this machinery make ends meet without trading in (which will be examined in this arti- favours and/or small-scale theft. Thus This repression is not limited to the cle) are: many have found themselves in prison civil and political rights of the Cuban for simply trying to provide for their people. The regime has reduced the a) the use of law to repress any type families. vast majority of the island’s popula- of independent thought or action; and tion to poverty, with average salaries b) the deliberate information black- This criminalization of so many aspects totalling less than USD 20 per month. out imposed imposed on the Cuban of ordinary life, and of any type of Clearly, this widespread poverty is not people. dissenting acts, has led to a massive solely the result of bad economic poli- growth in the prison population on cies or of the effects of the collapse of Rule by law rather the island. Unofficial statistics estimate the Soviet Union; it is the deliberate than rule of law that the current prison population action of a totalitarian government ranges from 80,000 to 100,000 inmates, seeking (like many others throughout In Cuba the law is used as a tool of incarcerated in more than 300 prisons. history) to silence the masses through repression, with criminal legislation Most of the convicts are in prison for economic hardship. providing the legal basis to silence and non-violent crimes, with at least 300 detain those who carry out any dis- political prisoners. Such figures imply The enjoyment of social, economic and senting acts. Current legislation penal- that 0.9 % of the island’s population 1/2007

cultural rights – traditionally the bas- izes a person’s propensity to commit is behind bars, giving Cuba one of the UES G O tion of Cuba’s pride – has also been a crime, or state of “dangerousness” highest per capita imprisonment rates L IA D

substantially restricted by the govern- (estado de peligrosidad), allows for in the world (the United States is at E P ment. Food continues to be rationed, “official warnings” to be given (which 0.7 %). It is therefore no surprise that EURO housing inadequate and scarce, educa- can also lead to detention) and severe- some call Cuba a “floating prison.” - UBA C This situation is compounded by terror. In the authorities’ efforts to shape of a pluralistic society, free of the Cuban people’s general lack of clamp down on any independent repression, in which Cubans will be knowledge about their rights. An thought, the regime has developed able to finally enjoy their human alarming example is the deliberate a full-fledged system to instill fear rights and fundamental freedoms. lack of dissemination of the Univer- amongst civil society activists and sal Declaration of Human Rights by their families. The most commonly the Cuban authorities. Not only is used method against those who try María Luisa Bascur is a consultant for the the Declaration not publicly distrib- to exercise their freedom of expres- Vienna-based International Helsinki Federation for uted, but possessing a copy of the sion is the “act of repudiation,” an Human Rights (IHF). Her current work focuses on Declaration has been considered evi- act of public denunciation and har- the protection and promotion of civil and political dence of treason. assment by state-organized mobs. rights in Central Asia. She previously served Alternative methods are physical acts with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for A curtain of silence of aggression, short-term detentions, Human Rights, where she worked with UN treaty dismissal from jobs, searching of res- bodies and the UN Human Rights Commission. This information blackout not only María Luisa Bascur also carries out advocacy relates to human rights legislation work on behalf of the Cuba Futuro Foundation. and standards (national and interna- tional), but to general information as The regime keeps a 1 This article is an extract of a report Human Rights well. Freedom of expression does not very tight grip on its in Cuba at the Twilight of the Castro Era prepared exist in Cuba; only expressions which in December 2006 by Cuba Futuro, a Dutch founda- tion which promotes human rights and supports coincide with official political ideol- people, be it through civil society groups in Cuba. It is based on, inter alia, a mission undertaken by Cuba Futuro, along ogy are allowed. Legislation prohib- economic hardship or with members of the International Helsinki Fed- iting freedom of expression through eration for Human Rights (IHF) to Cuba in June- July 2006. The full report is available at www.cuba- political offences lists crimes such as through a well-oiled futuro.org enemy propaganda, disrespect to the 2 The ‘state of dangerousness’ is established by arti- and sophisticated cles 72–90 of the Criminal Code, under which an Commander-in-Chief, offence to the individual can be sentenced for up to four years’ homeland, ideological deviation, dan- machinery of repression. imprisonment on the grounds that the authori- ties believe the individual has a ‘special procliv- gerousness and distribution of false ity’ to commit crimes, even though they might not have actually committed a crime. These articles information. broadly define ‘dangerous’ people as those who act in a manner that contradicts ‘socialist morality’ or engage in ‘anti-social behaviour.’ The most important instrument for idences, threats to family members, 3 Article 75 of the Criminal Code provides for an freedom of expression – the press – is police warnings of imminent arrest, ‘official warning’ to people the authorities deem to be at risk of becoming ‘dangerous’, i.e., those who non-existent in Cuba. As independent travel prohibitions and defamation are not yet ‘dangerous’ but who are regarded as media remains banned, there are vir- campaigns. having potential criminal tendencies because of their “ties or relations with people who are poten- tually no independent publications tially dangerous to society, other people, and to the social, economic and political order of the aside from several Catholic church Regardless of these risks and restric- socialist State”.

newsletters. A small number of jour- tions civil society groups continue 4 See figures published in Comisión Cubana de Dere- nalists manage to write articles for to be established and are growing in chos Humanos y Reconciliación Nacional, Lista par- cial de sancionados o procesados por motivos políti- foreign websites or publish under- membership. cos o politico-sociales (Havana: 5 July 2006) ground newsletters, but they do so at 5 See figures published inComisión Cubana de Dere- chos Humanos y Reconciliación Nacional, Lista par- considerable personal risk. Unsurpris- Conclusion cial de sancionados o procesados por motivos políti- ingly, access to the Internet is severely cos o politico-sociales (Havana: 5 July 2006) restricted in Cuba and those who do Cubans, especially now with an ailing 6 http://www.netforcuba.org/HumanRights-EN/ HumanRights/HR-Expression.htm so without the required authoriza- Fidel Castro, are waiting to see how 7 See www.vitral.org tions can also incur criminal charges, developments will unfold. While no 8 Currently there are 25 journalists in prison who such as “counter-revolutionary Inter- one can know how things will play have paid with their freedom for having founded an independent news agency, written for a dissi- net usage.” out, the Cuban people’s determination dent review or spoken to the media in the Cuban to decide their own fate – without diaspora. http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y06/ nov06/07o4.htm Those who question the regime foreign intervention – and choose the 9 Reporters without Borders, http://www.rsf.org/ – either individually or through an type of government, seems unshake- article.php3?id_article=10611 organization – are increasingly fac- able. One can only hope that when 10 Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation (cited above)  ing repression and psychological change does come, it will be in the 24 25 event Cuba Libre Days in Bulgaria Martin Pasiak

uba Libre Days, an event which A subsequent discussion with Omar The exhibition continued through helped further highlight Cuban Lopez Montenegro, Director of Cuban December 1,2006, when a closing solidarity,C was held in Plovdia, Bul- American National Foundation, focused event took place. About 220 Leva garia on November 3 and 4, 2006. The on various aspects of the current situa- (110 Euro, 140 USD) were raised for successful event was organized by tion in Cuba, including a discussion of the families of Cuban political pris- Diana Ivanova, a Bulgarian journalist education and health systems, the per- oners. active on Cuban human rights issues ception of la Revolución and the possi- and Janet 45, a publishing house from bility for political change on the island. As a result of the event in Plovdiv, and Plovdiv. Cuba Libre Days in Plovdiv The evening concluded with a sampling with continuous help from the Pon- followed a similar event held in Sofia of congri and Cuba libre cocktails. tis Foundation, a new Bulgarian NGO in January of 2006. Both events were called cubalibre.bg has been estab- organized with the support of the Pon- Highlights from the morning session lished. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria tis Foundation of Slovakia. included a reading of Dirty Havana Trilogy, and Romania both became new mem- by Pedro Juan Gutierrez, and a second dis- bers of the EU. Cuba related events The goal of Cuba Libre Days was to cussion with Omar Montenegro. Mr. Guti- in Romania are planned by the Pontis raise public awareness about Cuba in errez‘s book is being translated into Bul- Foundation for the next year. Plovdiv. Plovdiv is the second largest garian and will be published in the spring city in Bulgaria, a post-communist of 2007. Mr. Montengro‘s presentation The Pontis Foundation’s solidarity work country that in January 2007 became focused on Cuban art and literature. on Cuba is carried out across Central a member state of the European and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Union. The event took place in two Cuba Libre Days in Plovdiv was a great the Baltics. The foundation’s main goal parts: the evening of November 3 and success. At least two hundred people is to join active international socie- the morning of November 4. attended; most were young students. ties with the oppressed civil society The event was promoted by a multifac- in Cuba and to offer humanitarian On the first day, an exhibition of photo- eted campaign. Information about the help to families of political prison- graphs taken in Cuba by Diana Ivanova event appeared in a local magazine and ers. To support this, events and activi- opened. Photographs were sold, and promotional material was distributed ties to raise public awareness of the funds raised will be sent to two fami- to language schools and other youth issue of democracy and human rights lies of Cuban political prisoners and institutions. The event encouraged curi- in Cuba have been organized in Slo- will also be used to support the future osity, aroused interest, and fostered sol- vakia and other European countries activities of cubalibre.bg, a new Bulgar- idarity between Bulgarians and Cubans with the goal of assembling a critical ian NGO. The movie Made in Cuba: Chil- living under Castro’s regime. A bro- mass of NGOs, media, and politicians dren of Paradise was screened. The film chure entitled Cuba for Beginners was so that when political change finally 1/2007

describes the dual morality of Cubans published with interviews from Omar takes place, in Cuba, Eastern Europe UES G O and the regime’s fight with parents for Lopez and Pedro Juan Gutierrez, and will be more involved and prepared L IA D

the young, uncorrupted minds of chil- included a list of Cuba-related websites, to offer help. E P dren. The one hundred and thirty peo- the explanation of some unusual Cuban EURO ple who gathered in the audience were expressions (Project Varela, Luchadores, - UBA deeply affected by the facts revealed. Santeria) and a CDR. Martin Pasiak, Pontis Foundation, Slovakia C case study Making a statement while on holiday: supporting the independent libraries Sanne Meijers

ax Christi Netherlands encourages salsa, rum and cigars. Before setting are at liberty to deliver the books to tourists to take books along to out on their trip to Cuba, tourists can the independent libraries all across the theP independent libraries during their obtain free Spanish books and materi- island. We encourage tourists to deliv- holiday on Cuba. als from our organisation for the inde- er books outside Havana, because the pendent libraries. The range of top- more isolated libraries receive hardly The idea behind it is very simple. We ics on offer includes world literature, any books. ask Dutch tourists to deliver Spanish children’s books, periodicals and aca- books to the independent libraries, demic works. Riskier genres, but ones This is one way in which our peace so as to strengthen these small but that are more in demand are works on movement is stimulating democrati- important information centers. But Cuban politics, human rights, democ- zation initiatives and defeating cen- the campaign also raises the aware- racy and political transition models sorship on this communist island. In ness of the tourists. For them, it is a in former communist countries. Once a society where self-censorship is nec- way to get to know the other side of the innocent-looking tourists have essary for self-preservation, books Cuban society, behind the façade of been welcomed to the country, they cover an important gap in the public Cuban Cuban independent library El Mayor  26 27 domain. In a silenced society, books book a trip to Cuba. We distributed ISHR Sues Cuba speak the words that cannot be the brochure to travel agencies and at the UN Human uttered. Our hope is that this tourist salsa schools, too. We also informed Rights Council campaign will open a hidden world potential tourists about our campaign on the way to a pluralistic and demo- through special events, including lec- cratic Cuba. tures in libraries and book stores, pho- to exhibitions of the libraries, salsa The International Society for Human What are the independent libraries demonstrations, debates and edito- Rights (ISHR) filed a complaint exactly? They are the work of some rial articles. Dutch libraries may also against the Republic of Cuba to the eighty brave Cubans who comple- adopt a Cuban independent library Human Rights Council. The Human ment the limited information supply and install a permanent photo exhi- Rights organization, based in Frank- on Cuba by opening their private book bition. We are currently working on furt, reproves in its complaint on the collections to neighbours and friends. establishing personal contacts with basis of the UN Resolution 1503 the They are a place where Cubans can the Dutch travel guides who accom- Cuban legislation, arbitrary deten- lend books or read in peace, have dis- pany tourists on the island. tions, torture and unfair summary cussions, take part in study groups proceeding against civil rights activ- and enjoy art exhibitions. Another Lastly, we had to convince the inter- ists and journalists criticizing the objective is to help people form per- ested tourists that participation in regime. Cuba, which has dictatorially sonal opinions. Some collections con- our campaign posed no direct person- been controlled by the Castro broth- sist of only two book shelves. al threat to them. With a small pile of ers for 48 years, is member of the books packed in their luggage, tourists 2006 newly established UN board, When Pax Christi Netherlands started are likely to pass through Cuban cus- which replaced the Human Rights the campaign, we faced three major toms unhindered. The worst that can Commission. challenges. The process has been slow happen is that the books will be confis- and difficult. Our first task was to col- cated. However, this has happened only The Human Rights Delegate of the lect Spanish books, despite our restrict- once so far, when a tourist took more Federal Government of Germany, Gün- ed budget. Obtaining books of this kind than 40 books with him. On the other ter Nooke, wants the Federal Republic in a Dutch speaking society is some- hand, the librarians do run considera- of Germany to use its EU presidency thing of a scouting expedition. Few ble risks in managing their library. They to gain the embassies’ support for academic books are written in Spanish, face dangers such as confiscation of the oppositional Cuban democrats. let alone on the subject of democrati- their book collection, expulsion, violent The embassies should regularly con- zation initiatives and transition models repercussions or even imprisonment. tact representatives of the Cuban of former communist countries in East- The combination of engaging in socio- democratic movement. For example, ern Europe. World literature is easier to political activities and being a librarian representative should be invited to obtain. Donations were received from is a very dangerous mixture. The librar- celebrative occasions like the nation- libraries, universities, book stores and ians emphasize how stimulating and al holiday commemorated by the friendly NGO’s such as People in Need. important the international visits are embassies. Our Spanish volunteer held a book col- for them by briefly relieving their iso- lection campaign in her office in Spain. lated position. The visits themselves do So far, no complaint against Cuba Dutch citizens can donate 15 euros not seem to harm the librarians. based on the 1503-procedure has to us for the acquisition of a book on been tried. According to the notion of Internet. They have the opportunity to To date, we have donated 550 books to the ISHR, who has stood up for the choose their own title. the independent libraries. We would political prisoners on the Caribbean like to expand our campaign to oth- island since 1977, the Human Rights Secondly, we had to reach Dutch er European countries with potential are systematically and persistently tourists and convince them to take Cuban tourists. Our first choices are violated in Cuba. 1/2007

books with them. Our approach was Spain and France, but we are still look- UES G O through tour operators that organize ing for suitable partners. This expan- More information at www.menschen- L IA

rechte.de D trips around Cuba. We convinced sev- sion will have a major impact. In addi- E P en of them to include our brochure tion, we are pursuing special deliveries EURO in the envelope with the ticket that to libraries linked to non-state educa- - UBA they send to customers when they tion centres. C THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR DEMOCRACY IN CUBA: OBJECTIVES AND LATEST ACTIVITIES Kristina Prunerová, ICDC Secretary

he International Committee for vakia; Member of House of Lords Bar- Taiwan; Philip Dimitrov, Bulgaria; Mart Democracy in Cuba (ICDC) is a oness Caroline Cox, United Kingdom; Laar, Estonia; and former US Secre- Tgathering of prominent politicians and members of parliaments Urban Ahlin tary of State Madeleine Albright. The intellectuals founded by former Czech from Sweden and Arnold Vaatz from democratic change in Cuba is also sup- President Václav Havel in reaction to Germany; former minister of foreign ported by former dissident and widow the March 2003 crackdown against of Andrej Sacharov, Elena Bonner, from the democratic opposition in Cuba. Russia and former Polish dissident Its aims are to promote democratic and editor-in-chief of the daily Gaze- change within Cuba; to build global To build global support ta Wyborcza, Adam Michnik as well support for the Cuban opposition; and for the Cuban peaceful as writers Marcos Aguinis, Argentina; to alter the approach of European and Enrique Krauze, Mexico; Mario Vargas western hemisphere countries towards and democratic Llosa, Peru; philosopher André Glucks- Castro’s government. opposition the ICDC has mann, France; and Ferenc Köszeg, Hun- gary, president of Hungarian Helsinki BACKGROUND organized more than Committee. 10 public seminars and Among the members of ICDC are To promote democratic change within former presidents Patricio Aylwin Azó- conferences in various the country, the ICDC assists human car, Chile; Armando Calderon Sól, El European countries over rights initiatives in Cuba and the Salvador; Vinicio Cerezo, Guatemala; initiatives of independent civil soci- Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, Nicara- the past three years. ety groups. These groups include gua; Eduardo Frei, Chile; Arpad Göncz, the independent libraries movement, Hungary; Václav Havel, Czech Repub- independent journalists, independent lic; Milan Kučan, Slovenia; Vytautas labor activists and opposition political Landsbergis, Lithuania; Luis Alberto affairs and current member of parlia- movements. The ICDC secretariat also Lacalle, Uruguay; Rexhep Meidani, ment Markus Meckel, Germany; mem- coordinates an international network Albania; and Luis Alberto Monge Alva- ber of the European parliament José of non-governmental organizations rez, Costa Rica. Among other politi- Ribeiro e Castro from Portugal and that have expressed solidarity with cians there are current President of Vice-president of the European Par- the democratic movement in Cuba Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves; Swed- liament Edward McMillan-Scott from ish Minister for European Affairs United Kingdom. Other distinguished To build global support for peaceful Cecilia Malmström; Czech Minister of members of ICDC are former prime and democratic Cuban opposition, the Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg; ministers José María Aznar, Spain; Kim ICDC has organized more than ten

 European Commissioner Ján Figel, Slo- Campbell, Canada; Chang Chun-hsiung, public seminars and conferences in 28 29 various European countries over the of its members, Luis Alberto Lacalle, ing his three-day trip, Mr. McMillan- past three years. The aim of these con- former president of Uruguay. Scott also met with opposition lead- ferences is to bring public and politi- ers Oswaldo Paya and Martha Beat- cal attention to the issues surround- The event had three key objectives. riz Roque and expressed support for ing Cuba, drawing on the experiences First to highlight the recent initia- their struggle for democratic change of transition to democracy in Central tive of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and respect for human rights. and Eastern Europe as well as Latin Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania and Slov- America. In addition, ICDC members enia in forming “Friends of a Demo- Mr. McMillan-Scott spoke about his have supported numerous declarations, cratic Cuba” to support democratic experience from Cuba at a press con- open letters and have signed articles transition in Cuba. Second to identify ference held in Brussels in December published in the world media calling specific ways to assist the Cuban pro- 2006. For more please refer to his arti- for more attention to the real situa- democracy movement by drawing on cle in this issue. tion in Cuba. the transition experiences of Central and Eastern Europe. Lastly the summit ICDC “Virtual Embassy“ to Latin The secretariat of ICDC is based at the provided the opportunity to assemble America People in Need organization in the a broad cross-section of Cuban leaders Two ICDC members, Mr. Rexhep Mei- Czech Republic. It organizes the Com- to exchange ideas on points of con- dani, former president of Albania mittee’s agenda and assists partner vergence for accelerating democratic and Mr. Arnold Vaatz, German MP, organizations in preparing their Cuba- change in Cuba. participated in the “ICDC Virtual related events. For more information Embassy” to Latin America. The ICDC see www.icdcprague.org. Participants in the summit, including delegation was supported and accom- Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs panied by Laszlo Nagy, Slovak MP and LATEST ACTIVITIES Kinga Goncz and former Czech Minis- the Slovak Parliament Human Rights ter of Foreign Affairs Cyril Svoboda, Board Chairman. Between October Open Letter to Raul Castro from pledged their ongoing support for 31, 2006 and November 11, 2006 the ICDC members Cuban political prisoners and activists delegation visited Montevideo (Uru- In September 2006, ICDC members working toward democratic change on guay), Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo wrote an open letter to Raul Castro, the island. In his speech, ICDC mem- (Brazil) and Buenos Aires (Argenti- temporary President of the Cuban ber Luis Alberto Lacalle called for the na). During the trip the delegation Republic. Entitled “Transition, not Suc- creation of an economic recovery fund members participated in two con- cession,” the letter expresses concern for a democratic Cuba. Recalling the ferences (Montevideo and Buenos about recent changes within the high- boost given to Europe’s ravaged post- Aires) and had many very important est power structures in Havana and war economies by the Marshall Plan, meetings with local authorities, pol- insists on the Cuban people’s right to President Lacalle’s call for a “Marti iticians and intellectuals about the self determination through genuinely Plan” was favorably received by other current situation in Cuba, support free elections. speakers. for Cuban democratic opposition and relations between Latin America The letter can be downloaded at www. ICDC member Edward McMillan-Scott countries and Cuba. The delegation icdcprague.org in the section News and travels to Cuba and meets with the members also gave their declaration Documents. Ladies in White to Latin-American Summit of Heads On October 29, Edward McMillan- of State and Government in Monte- Cuba Transition to Democracy Scott, Vice-President of the European video. In the declaration, they called Summit held in Miami Parliament, visited Havana and met for more support for the Cuban dem- On October 13, in Miami, a confer- privately with the Ladies in White ocratic opposition and for respect- ence entitled the “Cuba Transition to movement, an association of moth- ing Viňa del Mar Declaration signed Democracy Summit” gathered together ers, wives and sisters of Cuban politi- by Cuban representatives in 1996 , 1/2007

current and former politicians from cal prisoners. In December 2005, the which involved directing the Cuban UES G O

Latin America, Eastern Europe and the movement received the Sakharov regime to respect human rights. L IA D

USA to express their support for dem- Prize for Freedom of Speech from the E P ocratic change in Cuba. The ICDC secre- European Parliament but the Cuban The activity was organized in coopera- EURO tariat provided assistance by inviting authorities denied its members exit tion with Argentinean partner organi- - UBA some of the speakers, including one visas to travel to the ceremony. Dur- zation CADAL. C document The Right to Have a Say The Warsaw appeal to the EU and the governments of EU member states on Human Rights Day, December 10th, 2006

The era of Castro in Cuba has been peaceful and prosperous for Union not to make itself co-responsi- is coming to an end. all these countries. This is a source of ble for such a development. inspiration and hope for the Cuban On the anniversary of the Universal people. At the same time, it implies a List of Signatories of Warsaw appeal to Declaration of Human Rights, we, the moral obligation for us, as Europeans, EU institutions and the governments representatives of European civil ini- to actively support them in this tran- of EU member states: tiatives and non-governmental organ- sition process. izations who support Cuban demo- » Igor Blazevic, People in Need, Czech crats and independent civil society on The EU should reach out, from the Republic the island, have gathered in Warsaw, beginning, to the broad civic move- » Agnieszka Gratkiewicz, Lech Walesa Poland, to call upon the governments ment that, in recent years, has devel- Institute, Poland of the European Union member states oped on the island. These people, many » Tomasz Pisula, Freedom and Democ- and the European Union institutions of whom have worked at the risk of racy Foundation, Poland to promote political reform and tran- their own lives, have proven them- » Martin Pasiak, Pontis Foundation, sition to democracy in Cuba. selves capable of designing and carry- Slovakia ing out necessary reforms for future » Ivana Kullova, People in Peril Asso- The decision about Cuba’s future democracy and a just system of gov- ciation, Slovakia belongs solely to the Cuban people ernment. » Anna-Lee Stangl, Christian Solidar- and should be decided by them under ity Worldwide, Belgium free and transparent procedures and We, the undersigned, want to stress to » Liduine Zumpolle, Cuba Futuro, The must not be confined to the corridors the European leaders the importance Netherlands of power both inside and outside the of addressing the civic movement as » Maria Luisa Bascur, Cuba Futuro, country. Cubans can no longer be the the main actor of change, although The Netherlands only Latin American people who are we do not exclude the possible partic- » Carmen Osorio, Associacion Espano- denied their sovereign and legitimate ipation of current public officials who la Cuba en Transicion, Spain right to decide on their own leaders demonstrate a serious commitment to » Natalia Bellusova, Associacion Ibero- and political system. a free society. americana por la Libertad, Spain » Aida Durut, International Society In Europe, countries like Portugal, Cuban citizens are entitled to have for Human Rights, Germany Spain, East Germany, Poland, the Czech their basic civil rights respected and » Annette Förster, International Soci- Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, to have a say in their own future. The ety for Human Rights, Germany Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia have only continuation of one-party rule with » Antonio Stango, Italian Helsinki quite recently emerged as democrat- the vague promise of gradual “eco- Committee and Hands off Cane, ic states after decades of authoritar- nomic reforms” by the Cuban regime is Italy

 ian rule. The transition to democracy not acceptable. We urge the European Malecón in Havana photo by Pavel Hroch 3 3 0 1 CUBA-EUROPE DIALOGUES 1/2007 NGO Network Events in 2007

February Release of a Complaint to the United Nations The International Society for Human Rights (Germany) will release a detailed complaint against Cuba to the new Human Rights Council of the UN.

Photo exhibition in the European Parliament Organized by the Italian Helsinki Committee and Hands of Cain (Italy).

March Symbolic prison cell Members of the NGO network will commemorate the 2003 crackdown on Cuban dissidents by symbolic cell on the city squares, a card campaign, a church mass in solidarity with the Ladies in White, and other actions.

April ICDC Conference in Berlin For their second summit, ICDC members together with NGOs, MPs and MEPs, will discuss the common approach to Cuba by European Union, Latin America and United States.

Easter Card campaign PONTIS Foundation (Slovakia) and Christian Solidarity Worldwide (UK) will encourage people to send postcards to families of political prisoners.

Follow up event to ICDC Conference Held in Madrid by Asociación Iberoamericana por la Libertad.

Spring Photo exhibition “Discover Cuba” The International Society for Human Rights will try to reveal the real Cuba.

Conference “Latin America – Perspective and challenges” Organized by People in Peril Association, Slovakia.

CUBA – EUROPE DIALOGUES / Quarterly bulletin on relations between Cubans and Europeans / 1 / 2007 Published by People in Need, Prague, Czech Republic, with the cooperation of European NGOs and with support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

 Editors: Nikola Hořejš ([email protected]), Dita Grubnerová , David I. Rabinowitz. To obtain this bulletin in Spanish please visit www.peopleinneed.cz/dialogues