Reid introduced a Senate Resolution that calls upon the State Department and the Organization of American States to convene a special tribunal that will try Fidel Castro, and other political and military leaders of Cuba who have committed crimes against humanity.
"We cannot allow Castro, Hussein, other dying despots or their associates to hide behind a phony claim of immunity," Reid said in a speech on the Senate floor today. "We must ensure that all of these despicable figures are held accountable for their crimes against humanity. They have willingly chosen to torture and kill their people, and it is time to hold them accountable for that decision. The Iraqi people, the Cuban people and the people of the free world demand and deserve justice."
Since 1959, more than 100,000 Cubans have been persecuted by Castro's regime. Over 18,000 of whom were killed or have disappeared. Just this past March, Castro launched a massive crackdown on leaders of independent labor unions, opposition parties, and the pro-democracy movement that led to the arrest of 80 dissidents. Castro denied these detainees due process and subjected them to secretive trials, after which 50 of them received prison sentences of up to 28 years.
In April, three Cubans hijacked a ferry in an attempt to flee Castro's repressive regime. The Cuban government summarily tried these men behind closed doors and then executed them by firing squad. Journalists have endured especially severe punishment from Castro. In 2002, his government killed 25 journalists and threatened, harassed or detained 1,420 more.
"Fidel Castro has led a tyrannical regime in Cuba that systematically violates basic human rights, including freedoms of expression, association, assembly and movement, and he shows no sign of ending his campaign of terror," Reid said. "101 years ago today, a proud Cuban people declared their independence. Cuban Independence Day should be a celebration of freedom for the Cuban people. Instead, their island has been hijacked by a cruel dictator whose false promises of prosperity have given way to cowardly acts of intimidation. The sad truth is that the Cuban people still are not free."
Since the end of World War II, the United States and the other free nations of the world have agreed that individuals who commit crimes against humanity must be held responsible for their actions. From Nuremberg to Bosnia, to Rwanda and now in Iraq, the international community, under U.S. leadership, has brought tyrants to justice. Reid's legislation ensures preparations would be made to do the same to Fidel Castro. [End]
But Venezuela Production and Trade Minister Ramon Rosales, speaking in Bogota at a meeting with Colombian exporters, added that it will be another two weeks before further details of the payment process will be avaialable.
Up to 800 Colombian exporters and other business leaders who deal with Venezuela are awaiting payments from Venezuela. The exporters are becoming impatient due to four-month-old currency restrictions in Venezuela that have tightened dollar flows, saddling importers there with dollar-debts they are unable to pay.
Also speaking at the meeting was Juan Emilio Posada, president of Colombia's largest airline, Alianza Summa. He said the carrier is owed $3.8 million in Venezuela and that this figure increases $1 million each month.
"What's the purpose of selling in a country that can't pay," Posada told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting. "The moment will soon arrive in which this type of business is unsustainable."
Summa flies to Caracas from Bogota three times a day.
Venezuela's Rosales responded, saying a special plan will be set up so airlines such as Alianza Summa can be paid.
During the first two months of the year, Colombian exports to Venezuela totaled $69 million, down from $233 million in the first two months of 2002. [End]