Cuban exiles to set off for Cuba's coast
By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ
AP Hispanic Affairs Writer
MIAMI -- A coalition of Cuban exile groups began traveling Friday
morning across much of the Florida Straits despite rough seas for a
protest off the coast of Cuba that was to include a massive fireworks show.
The group leaving from Key West planned to anchor its flotilla of half a
dozen boats a little more than 12 miles off the coast of Havana to raise
awareness about the island's human rights abuses.
Saturday is the United Nation's International Human Rights Day.
Organizer Ramon Saul Sanchez of the small nonprofit the Democracy
Movement said about 50 protesters were going in six boats, including an
85-foot vessel and a small security craft. About a dozen members of the
media were also following the group.
"Everything is going well despite the rough seas, but our departure will
be a little behind," he told The Associated Press on Friday shortly
before departure. The activists left around 9:30 a.m., according his group.
Cuba has called the demonstration a provocation. The exile groups say
they are merely exercising their rights to freedom of expression.
State Department Spokesman William Ostick says federal authorities have
met with the organizers to ensure they comply with U.S. and
international laws. He says the organizers have provided assurances they
will not violate Cuban territorial waters or airspace. Cuban waters
stretch about 12 miles off the island.
"We have urged the Democracy Movement and the Cuban government to
exercise caution and restraint during the Democracy Movement's December
9 fireworks shows in international waters off Havana," he said in a
statement.
"We have also made it clear to Cuban authorities as well as participants
in this event that the U.S. government would punish any violation of
U.S. laws," he continued, adding, "The United States government does not
promote or encourage this activity."
The Coast Guard has said it will patrol the area to ensure the
protesters are well behind the 12-mile mark.
No comments:
Post a Comment