CANF PRAISES PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR MEASURES TO INCREASE SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:                                           CAMILA R. GALLARDO:305-592-7768

The Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) praised the Obama Administration today in a press conference held immediately after the White House announced changes to existing Cuba regulations.   During today’s press briefing, the White House announced a series of measures that included the lifting of all restrictions on travel and remittances by Cuban Americans to the island.    In addition, it lifted restrictions placed on humanitarian gift parcels, going beyond reverting to 2004 regulations and allowing for any U.S. citizen to send humanitarian aid to individual Cubans.

The Administration also announced its intent to process licensing requests from telecommunications service and equipment providers to allow for increased communication with Cubans on the island.

The Cuban American National Foundation last week published a 14-page report it had sent to the White House laying out a series of recommendations which included several of the measures announced today as well as additional policy measures to support the work of the Cuba’s dissident movement and the growth of Cuban civil society.

“We are extremely pleased with today’s announcement which demonstrates the President’s early commitment to the issue of Cuban freedom.   These measures focus on support for the Cuban people which we believe should be the centerpiece of our policy towards Cuba.   For too long U.S.-Cuba policy has focused on tough rhetoric rather than substantive measures that would help precipitate democratic change.   This is a great first step in helping to set forward an agenda that focuses on empowering the Cuban people through an increase in communications, humanitarian, material, and moral support that will enable them to work towards a peaceful, and enduring democratic transition,” said Jorge Mas Santos, Chairman of the CANF.