Statements
FDP Chair Manny Diaz Praises the Administration’s New Sanctions on Cuban Officials Responsible for Recent Crackdown
Today, the Biden Administration announced historic steps to punish Cuban regime officials responsible for human rights violations. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets (OFAC) has sanctioned Cuban Minister of Defense Alvaro Lopez Miera and the Brigada Especial Nacional del Ministerio del Interior (SNB) of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT), also known as the Boinas Negras or Black Berets, in connection with the violent repression of the peaceful protests that began on July 11th in Cuba.
In reaction to this announcement, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Manny Diaz released the following statement:
“I strongly applaud the Biden Administration for taking this decisive and welcome step. All of those who would violate the human rights of the Cuban people must know that there will be grievous consequences for their actions. The sham trials, and the violence perpetrated by the Cuban communist regime on its own people demand decisive action such as these measures.
“I am also glad that President Biden has characterized this move as ‘only the beginning.’ There are many individuals in this tyrannical regime who must be held accountable for their chronic and heinous abuse of the Cuban people. I hope to see them face sanctions of this nature –and more– in the near future.
“I am also encouraged to hear that the Biden Administration is working to marshal the international community in support of a free and democratic Cuba. The support of countries in the region, and entities such as the Organization of American States, is key if we are to free Cubans from oppression. And no one has more credibility than the Biden Administration to reach this goal.
“This step, along with others that are being developed for implementation over the next days and weeks, show that President Joe Biden stands with the people of Cuba, and they illustrate his unwavering commitment to advancing freedom and democracy on the island.”