Obama Promises To Maintain Cuban Embargo

May 23, 2008 1:47 p.m. EST

Miami, FL (AHN) - Attending a celebration held by the influential Cuban American National Foundation in Miami, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) promised to continue the economic embargo against the Castro regime until political and social freedoms are brought to Havana.

Directly addressing a crucial issue to Cuban-American immigrants in Florida, Obama said strongly; "I will maintain the embargo. It provides us with the leverage to present the regime with a clear choice: if you take significant steps toward democracy, beginning with the freeing of all political prisoners, we will take steps to begin normalizing relations. That's the way to bring about real change in Cuba - through strong, smart and principled diplomacy."

Obama also took aim at Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who was in Miami only days earlier to meet with South Florida politicians and renew his support for a democratic Cuba.

"Now I know what the easy thing is to do for American politicians. Every four years, they come down to Miami, they talk tough, they go back to Washington, and nothing changes in Cuba," Obama said. "That's what John McCain did the other day. He joined the parade of politicians who make the same empty promises year after year, decade after decade. Instead of offering a strategy for change, he chose to distort my position, embrace George Bush's, and continue a policy that's done nothing to advance freedom for the Cuban people. That's the political posture that John McCain has chosen, and all it shows is that you can't take his so-called straight talk seriously."

"My policy toward Cuba will be guided by one word: Libertad. And the road to freedom for all Cubans must begin with justice for Cuba's political prisoners, the rights of free speech, a free press and freedom of assembly; and it must lead to elections that are free and fair," Obama explained.

Obama also addressed other issues that play a part in Cuban-American relations. Economic restrictions against Cuba also include travel restrictions and limits on what types of goods immigrants can send back to their families.

"It's time for more than tough talk that never yields results. It's time for a new strategy. There are no better ambassadors for freedom than Cuban Americans. That's why I will immediately allow unlimited family travel and remittances to the island. It's time to let Cuban Americans see their mothers and fathers, their sisters and brothers. It's time to let Cuban American money make their families less dependent upon the Castro regime," Obama said.

Obama also tried to clear up statements McCain has made, claiming that the freshman Illinois senator would unconditionally meet with controversial leaders, including Cuba's Raul Castro. Instead, Obama reiterated that direct diplomacy is the most effective way to end what refugees and critics call a repressive regime in Havana.

"Now let me be clear. John McCain's been going around the country talking about how much I want to meet with Raul Castro, as if I'm looking for a social gathering. That's never what I've said, and John McCain knows it," Obama explained.

"After eight years of the disastrous policies of George Bush, it is time to pursue direct diplomacy, with friend and foe alike, without preconditions. There will be careful preparation. We will set a clear agenda. And as President, I would be willing to lead that diplomacy at a time and place of my choosing, but only when we have an opportunity to advance the interests of the United States, and to advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people. I will never, ever, compromise the cause of liberty. And unlike John McCain, I would never, ever, rule out a course of action that could advance the cause of liberty. We've heard enough empty promises from politicians like George Bush and John McCain. I will turn the page," Obama vowed.