JOHNSON ON CUBAN HUMAN RIGHTS

HELENA—In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary of State Brad Johnson released a statement today expressing his hope that Montana’s agricultural exports to Cuba could increase if the island nation’s new leadership would allow their citizens to enjoy internationally recognized civil, political, and economic rights and freedoms.

Johnson said, “Montana’s ag producers could benefit from trade with Cuba. The only thing preventing that is Cuba’s lack of respect for the rights with which all human beings are endowed by their creator. The replacement of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro is heartening, but the real progress is yet to come. As are many other officials across the nation, today I stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba, advocating real changes and real freedom. Not only will Montana’s agricultural industry benefit, but the Cuban people and the whole world will benefit.”

Johnson’s statement comes as part of a worldwide campaign to organize a national day of solidarity with leaders and officials across the United States. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez invited Johnson to participate in a letter, and said, “Together we may show the world the true nature of the Cuban regime and by doing so, move one step closer to the day when the people of Cuba are free to choose their own destiny.”

Johnson concluded, “Here in Montana, we take pride in our election system because it works so well. I hope one day the people of Cuba will take equal pride in their own clean, fair elections. When that day comes, both of our people will benefit from it.”

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