MIAMI, Dec 9 (Reuters) - A Cuban-American advocacy group said Tuesday it would stage a demonstration during President Clinton's visit to Miami on Thursday to demand the return of a boat used in protests against Cuba's communist government.
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the motorboat "Democracia'' in July from members of the Miami-based Democracy Movement as it left Key West, Florida, as part of a protest flotilla to the edge of Cuba's territorial waters.
The Coast Guard took the boat because Democracy Movement leaders had said they intended to enter Cuba's territorial waters to mark the anniversary of the drowning of 41 people as they attempted to leave the island on July 13, 1994.
Leaders of the group said they felt the Democracy Movement had been targeted selectively under a federal rule allowing the seizure. They also said they believed the boat "has turned into a symbol of liberty for the Cuban People.''
The boat had been rammed by a Cuban gunboat in July 1995 when it entered Cuban waters during another protest flotilla.
Organizers said the protest would be peaceful and staged near wherever the president stays during his Miami visit.
The Coast Guard turned the boat over to U.S. Customs after it was seized. Officials there did not comment on their plans for the vessel Tuesday.
President Clinton is scheduled to attend three fund-raisers in Miami Thursday. REUTERS
15:37 12-09-97