Top Ten Reasons for Changing US Policy Towards Cuba

Posted on : Tue, 16 Jan 2007 17:26:00 GMT Author : The Center forDemocracy in the AmericasNews Category : PressReleaseWASHINGTON, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center forDemocracy in the Americas, joined by U.S.A. Engage, today released InOur National Interest: The Top Ten Reasons for Changing U.S. policytoward Cuba."This top ten list is a powerful reminder to Congress and allAmericans that sanctions against Cuba do nothing but violate Americanvalues, cost American jobs, stain our image overseas, and breach ourbasic rights," said Sarah Stephens with the Center for Democracy inthe Americas. "As Cuba enters a new era, so should America, andreplace our policy of isolating Cuba with one favoring engagement,travel, and trade."Grounded in research and reality, "In Our National Interest" statesthe key arguments in fourteen pages with backup research and apowerful clarity:* The policy has produced nothing in decades * Enforcing the policydrains resources from the war on terror * The policy hurts Americancompanies and American workers * The policy is an assault on familyvalues * The policy infringes on the rights and liberties of all U.S.citizens * The policy hurts America's image abroad * The Castrogovernment uses our policy to advance its own ends * The policy putspolitical interests above the national interest * Important peopleoppose the policy and want to see it changed * The policy stopsAmericans from doing what they do best"The point here is that changing our policies is clearly in America'snational interest," said Jake Colvin, Director ofUSA*Engage. "Congress and the Administration should consider how tomove forward with new policies that would benefit American workers,promote the reunification of Cuban families and improve our nationalsecurity and reputation abroad."CONTACT: Sarah Stephens of the Center for Democracy in the Americas,+1-202-234-5506, or Jake Colvin of USA Engage, +1-202-464-2025The Center for Democracy in the Americas