Situation in Cuba is critical and demands changes, says prisoner of conscience

Havana, Cuba, Feb 25, 2009 / 15:58 pm

Prisoner of conscience Jose Ferrer Garcia warned this week that the current situation in Cuba is critical and that all Cubans need to participate in the National Dialogue to find solutions for the country.

"This initiative is very good, clear and precise. If we join forces, I am completely sure that it will be successful," Ferrer said in a telephone interview with the Center for Information of the Human Rights Council of Cuba.

Ferrer, who is imprisoned in Las Tunas, said the current situation in the country demands changes. Conditions are ripe for change, he said, because the people want it, but he said he would like to see Cubans both on the island and abroad work together for democracy.

The National Dialogue initiative is an effort at attempting dialogue between political dissidents and the Cuban government, run by Raul Castro. The initiative also serves as a think tank for those seeking to bring about greater freedom on the island nation.

Ferrer described the National Dialogue initiative as urgent and necessary for solving problems related to human rights, the rule of law, free and democratic elections, prosperity and other issues.

All Cubans should enter into dialogue without fear, distrust or selfishness, leaving aside personal ambitions and seeking solutions to the grave problems that affect all. "This must be done with much love and great desire to serve the country with disinterest," Ferrer said.

Ferrer, 38, is one of 75 Cubans imprisoned in 2003 for reasons of conscience. He was condemned to 25 years in the prison at Las Tunas. He belongs to the Christian Liberation Movement and was declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International.