Ready to support a Cuban Velvet Revolution
Posted on Wed, Apr. 02, 2008
By PETR KOLAR
washington@embassy.mzv.cz
One of the first questions people ask about the importance of democracy,
freedom and respect for human rights in Cuba is: What is the special
connection between our countries and Cuba? Why are we -- Central
European countries, no superpowers, members of the European Union,
located so far away from this Caribbean island -- so involved in this
''Cuban issue''? Well, it is simple: We have been there.
The answer lies not in geography, but in history. The Czechs, as well as
other nations and peoples of Central and Eastern Europe lived through an
era of totalitarian communist regime, where democracy, freedom and human
rights were concepts of which you could only quietly dream, while living
a nightmare.
After our nations got rid of communist dictatorships, we feel obliged to
tell our story: the story of a successful transition from a totalitarian
regime to democracy, to civil society, which respects and honors the
rights and freedoms of every individual; the story of a successful
transformation of nonworkable, centrally planned economy to a vibrant
free market economy with a working rule of law designed to protect
people's economic interests.
The importance of our message lies not only in the fact that today we
are or that we became free and democratic countries, with prosperous and
growing economies. What is equally important is that this change
occurred without any bloody coups, revolutions or turmoil. Everything
started off with peaceful student protests, gradually supported by more
and more segments of the society. The Communist police did try to
suppress the attempts at the outset, but no major violence took place.
That is why our revolution is known as velvet.
Change in the structure of the society took place gradually and with the
involvement and participation of a major part of the society.
Opportunity was granted to everyone who wanted to take part in
democratic changes.
Thus, after the Communist Party ceased to be the only ruling mechanism
and force in the state, a government was set up; one that still included
some of the former communist leaders in key positions, like the prime
minister or the defense minister.
The old parliament elected Václav Havel, a dissident and freedom
fighter, as the country's president. Then, preparations started for the
first free general elections, which took place after a number of months
and set a path for further political developments.
Naturally, not all steps in the transition and transformation were
without problems. Difficulties occurred, and we experienced ups and
downs, joys and disappointments. However, judging overall, it was all
worth it.
The Czechs, Slovaks, as well as other oppressed nations behind the Iron
Curtain in all its physical forms (be it kilometers of barbed wire,
various gates, barriers or the Berlin Wall), threatened by leaders whose
power did not derive from the people but from force, armed forces and
armies, became free in a civilized and peaceful manner.
In the light of the recent changes in Cuba, the Czech Ministry of
Foreign Affairs expressed our hope that such a step will bring Cuba onto
a path to the necessary political as well as economic reforms. The
future development in Cuba should lead to the release of all prisoners
of conscience, beginning of a dialogue with the opposition, and to free
elections.
We, the Czechs, woke up from our nightmare and started living our
dreams. By our activities, we try to tell other peoples around the globe
in whose shoes we used to stand of our experience. We also send them the
message that their situation, however hopeless it might seem, is not
carved in the stone.
The Cuban people are not only the victims of their regime; they are also
the active players who can bring about a change.
They have a choice. The faith and destiny of their country is in their
hands only. On their way to democracy and freedom, to their dream, we
should be and are ready to help, if and when the people of Cuba think
that our assistance is needed.
Petr Kolár is ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States.
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