May 21, 2008
No. 123
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement in recognition of May 21st as the Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People:
"Canada's links with the people of Cuba go back many years. Indeed, Cuba was the first Caribbean nation selected by Canada as a location for a Canadian diplomatic mission," Minister Bernier said.
"Canada engages Cuban society through our diplomatic presence which is aimed at helping to lay the groundwork for a Cuba that upholds freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This is in keeping with our renewed engagement in the Americas.
"Canada continues to monitor developments in Cuba closely, and we are concerned about the plight of political prisoners, especially those suffering from poor health. It is our hope that recent shifts will open the way for the Cuban people to pursue a process of political and economic reform," added the Minister.
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