This temporary transfer of power certainly raises expectations among those who have experienced Castro’s tyrannical rule.
Many hope that the failing health of the dictator is a sign of the weakening of the regime; that his personal demise be directly intertwined with the demise of his regime.
However, we must not lose sight of the overarching objectives of U.S. policy: to ensure a full break with the failed Communist leadership and infrastructure that oppresses the Cuban people, toward a transition to freedom and democracy in Cuba.
U.S. policy as enshrined in numerous laws is clear: we will not accept a succession process that merely shifts the chairs on the deck of the titanic.
The Cuban people deserve more from us. We will not let them down.
The U.S. will not waiver. We will continue to increase the pressure on the regime. We will not let up until all political prisoners are free; until all political parties are legalized; until there are free and fair elections in Cuba; until the Cuban people are in control of their destiny and are able to fully exercise their rights as human beings and citizens.