FIRST: The determination to work for a non-violent transition toward a democratic society under the rule of law, devoid of any vindictiveness, and equally comprising all Cubans.
SECOND: Obtaining unconditional amnesty for all political prisoners.
THIRD: Launching a series of legal transformations that will provide the necessary framework, within the law, to secure absolute respect for all universally recognized human rights, as well as equal participation by all Cubans in an opening process that will lead to economic independence.
FOURTH: The belief that, in order to harmonize the peaceful transition we are advocating the principle that Cuba is the fatherland and the home of each and every Cuban, it is essential to provide such conditions as will guarantee participation for all Cubans, with no exclusions whatsoever.
Concilio Cubano was designed to be a permanent forum where all participating organizations could fashion joint proposals while maintaining their own identity. We the students believe that the systematic denial of human rights and human dignity in Cuba cannot be tolerated. We believe that the moral and pragmatic solution is non-violent resistance to the intolerable situation in Cuba. To this end we pledge our lives and our freedom.
March 13, 1997 marks the 40th anniversary of the assault on the Presidential Palace. On that day the blood of Cuba's university students was spilled in the cause of freedom. On February 24, 1996 our generation of Cuban youth had its first four losses in this struggle. Mario De La Peña, Armando Alejandre, an FIU alumnus, Carlos Costa and Pablo Morales where of our generation. Forty years after the 13 of March. One year after the massacre of February 24. We the students who live in exile, wish to join with our brothers and sisters inside of Cuba for the liberation of our nation and the re- establishment of democracy and the rule of law in Cuba.
To this end we seek to follow the lead of the internal opposition, embrace the principles of non-violent resistance, speak out on behalf of Cuba's political prisoners, and issue a call to educate the children of the Cuban exile about the history and reality of the ongoing tragedy in Cuba.
Signed on March 13, 1997
Pedro Solares Sebastian Arcos Cazabon Abdala Comite Cubano Pro Derechos Humanos Lorenzo de Toro III Ana M. Carbonell Generacion 90 Alianza de Jovenes Cubanos Juan Jose de Castro John Suarez Directorio Revolucionario FREE CUBA Foundation Democratico Cubano Signature _________________________Print name_________________ Address _____________________________________________________ ___ Call me! my phone number is _______________________________FREE CUBA Foundation GC340