BUZEK ON THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION ON PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE IN CUBA BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Thursday 11/03/2010

The European Parliament adopted today during the plenary in Strasburg a resolution on prisoners of conscience in Cuba, following the death of political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo who protested against government abuses.

Following the vote EP President Jerzy Buzek said:"We are very concerned about the situation of the prisoners of conscience in Cuba. Last month Orlando Zapata Tamayo died after a hunger strike of 85 days. Now, other imprisoned dissidents went on hunger strike following Zapata's example. We are particularly concerned about the alarming state of the journalist and psychologist Guillermo Fariñas. We cannot afford another death in Cuba. We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. No progress has been made in relation to the respect of human rights by Cuban authorities. Words are not enough. We need action. The Cuban government must respect fundamental freedoms, especially the freedom of expression and political association. Freedom of movement must also be respected. We are waiting for almost five years already to hand the Sakharov Prize to the Damas de Blanco and they are still not allowed to leave their country. The European Parliament urges the EU institutions to give their unconditional support and full encouragement to the launching of a peaceful process of political transition to multi-party democracy in Cuba.We voice our profound solidarity with the entire Cuban people and support them in their progress towards democracy and respect and promotion of fundamental freedoms."

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Inga Rosińska
SpokeswomanMobile: +32 498 981 354

Delia VlasePress Officer,GSM: +32 476 331 038