WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama yesterday denounced the human rights situation in communist Cuba as “deeply disturbing,” underscoring continuing tensions with Havana despite his pledge to recast relations.
Obama, in a written statement, cited the death last month of jailed Cuban dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo and what he described as “intensified harassment of those who dare to give voice to the desires of their fellow Cubans.”
“These events underscore that instead of embracing an opportunity to enter a new era, Cuban authorities continue to respond to the aspirations of the Cuban people with a clenched fist,” Obama said.
Obama reiterated a long-standing US call for Cuba’s communist government to release all political prisoners unconditionally.
“Recent events in Cuba … are deeply disturbing,” Obama said.
After taking office last year, Obama promised to recast Washington’s troubled relationship with Cuba and took initial steps such as lifting restrictions on family visits and slightly softening the 47-year-old trade embargo on the island.