Cuba Decides

ENGLISH VERSION

The promoters of Cuba Decide and the Foundation for Pan American Democracy, along with the Independent Trade Union of Cuba, Center for a Free Cuba, Cuban Freedom March, Foundation NewGeneration, Instituto Patmos, La Rosa Blanca, Ladies in White, Movimiento Democracia, Movimiento Libertad y Democracia, Movimiento Democracia, Movimiento Opositores por una Nueva República (MONR), Movimiento Somos+, Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, Partido del Pueblo, Partido Por La Democracia Pedro Luis Boitel, the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), and other civil society organizations supporters of the Agreement for Democracy, have submitted the following memorandum (read below) to the White House, State Department, and the President-elect Trump transition team, outlining priority recommendations for U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba.    Memorandum (download here)   To: Outgoing and Incoming Administrations of the United States Subject: Priority Points on U.S. Policy Toward Cuba   Introduction: Our organizations stand united in emphasizing the need for a peaceful, democratic transition in Cuba, aligned with the “Agreement for Democracy.” Cuba faces a profound crisis under a failing state, worsened by nationwide power outages and escalating repression. This memo outlines five critical points to guide U.S. policy toward Cuba, ensuring a clear, resolute stance in support of the Cuban people's democratic aspirations and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for Cuba and the Americas.   Priority Points for U.S. Policy on Cuba   No Concessions, Condition All Engagements The U.S. should make no unilateral concessions to the Cuban regime. Any form of engagement with the Cuban regime must be conditioned on measurable steps toward a democratic transition and the recognition of basic human rights. This includes, but is not limited to: the unconditional and definitive release of all political prisoners, cessation of repression, and guarantees for enabling the Cuban people's sovereign self-determination to choose a new political system that allows free, fair, multi-party elections. Diplomatic and trade engagements should align with these demands to prevent normalization of the regime and reinforce the necessity for democratic reform.   Maintain Cuba’s Status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism The U.S. must maintain Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The regime’s consistent alliances and actions endanger U.S. security and regional stability, underscoring the need for ongoing, targeted sanctions. Cuba's documented links to terrorism and its support for hostile actors (Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, ELN, etc.) make this designation essential.   Strengthen Sanctions Against Regime Financial and Military Networks Responsible for Human Rights Abuses and the Humanitarian Crisis To weaken the regime’s repressive and extractive capabilities, the U.S. should expand financial sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, targeting regime officials, military figures, GAESA, associated business entities, and frontmen heading MIPYMES. Sanctions should block regime agents and support networks globally, restrict their entry to the U.S., limit access to international financing, and freeze any activities related to financing the Cuban military or entities controlled by the Cuban Communist Party.   Diplomatic Isolation of the Dictators The U.S. should lead a coalition of democratic nations to isolate the Cuban regime's criminals in global forums. This includes advocating for the suspension of the EU’s Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement and restricting the regime's participation in diplomatic gatherings until the conditions outlined in Point 1 are met.   Support Independent Cuban Civil Society and Opposition to Overcome Conditions of State Failure Caused by the Prevailing System A proactive stance should recognize and empower the Cuban opposition and civil society committed to the Agreement for Democracy as legitimate representatives of the Cuban people. Supporting the citizen-driven democratic change effort, ensuring the possibility of a popular participation process led by Cubans, is the path to fostering stability for Cuba and the Americas.   Conclusion: The Cuban people's desire for freedom and democracy is clear and is the only path out of the humanitarian crisis. U.S. policy should reflect unwavering support for Cubans’ aspirations and invite all U.S. allies to take similar steps. By adhering to these priorities, the outgoing administration can avoid actions that benefit the regime, while the incoming administration can establish a clear, principled stance in support of democratic change in Cuba. Signatories Asociación Sindical Independiente de Cuba Center for a Free Cuba Cuban Freedom March Foundation NewGeneration Fundación para la Democracia Panamericana Instituto Patmos La Rosa Blanca Las Damas de Blanco Movimiento Democracia Movimiento Libertad y Democracia Movimiento Democracia Movimiento Opositores por una Nueva República (MONR) Movimiento Somos+ Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos Partido del Pueblo Partido Por La Democracia Pedro Luis Boitel Promotores de Cuba Decide Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU)