US makes offer to Cuba in exchange of democracy

US makes offer to Cuba in exchange of democracy

Bush' government has made an offer to the Cuban govt in exchange of
democracy
August 24, 2006, 07:15

The US state department says the handover of power by Fidel Castro, the
Cuban president, to his brother, Raul, is "a good indication of the
crumbling institutions of a totalitarian regime".

Thomas Shannon, the assistant secretary of state for the Western
hemisphere affairs, has also renewed an offer by George W Bush, the US
president, to the Cuban government to "democratise" in exchange for the
lifting of sanctions by the US government.

The United States's conditions for the lifting of the embargo include
the release of all political prisoners by the Cuban government, respect
for human rights, allowing political parties and labour unions to
operate freely, and holding free and fair elections.

Bush made this offer last year, but was immediately turned down by the
Cuban government. Shannon thereafter renewed the offer. He says the
United States government has a significant role to play in democratising
Cuba and in ensuring a smooth transition to democracy.

http://www.sabcnews.com/world/south_america/0,2172,133622,00.html