Havana, Cuba, Jun 22, 2009 / 20:03 pm
Leaders of the peaceful resistance in Cuba repeated their request last week that the government respect human rights and promote transition towards democracy.
In a statement entitled, “United in Hope,” the dissidents called on the government of Cuba to release prisoners of conscience “and all those who have not participated in acts of terrorism and have been incarcerated for political motives.”
Likewise, they asked that “freedom of religion and conscience” be guaranteed for all, and that everyone be allowed to “freely express their ideas, sentiments, criticisms, opinions and proposals whether orally, in writing or [by] any peaceful means.”
The statement calls for the creation of a National Commission made up of members of the government, the opposition and representatives of civil society, in order to guarantee the civil rights of all Cubans.
The dissident leaders said in their statement, “The first stage of the National Dialogue has concluded and now another wider stage begins in which we will present to all Cubans, without distinction, this proposal of the first steps to carry out the changes that the people so much desire and want.”