LULAC's Statement on Cuba

December 10, 2014

Contact:
Paloma Zuleta
202-812-4477

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, President Obama announced a change of course for diplomatic relations with Cuba. Although the U.S. will not be lifting economic embargoes, it will however establish a U.S. embassy, expand policies for trade and travel as well as other acts in an effort to normalize relations between the two countries. Brent Wilkes, LULAC National Executive Director, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement.

“It is clear that the Cuban government has a long way to go with regard to allowing its citizens the economic and political freedoms Americans hold dear. While the President cannot lift the embargo on Cuba, our organization acknowledges the historic shift in policy, as well as the significant impact that this new policy will have for both the Cuban and American people. The normalization of relations between the two countries must be followed with concrete steps by the Cuban government to bring forth social, political, and economic freedoms for the Cuban people. Moving forward, LULAC urges the Obama administration to engage with a wide range of leaders from the Cuban American community who will be able to offer a unique perspective and expertise on this sensitive matter. Our organization is hopeful that the United States has a solid plan for advancing much needed reforms in Cuba."

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