Havana, Cuba, Oct 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The Christian Liberation Movement (CLM), lead by Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya, issued a statement this week calling on all Cubans to "participate in the national dialogue" because "change and the path towards the future can only be undertaken by us Cubans" without exclusions.
"Nobody except the Cuban people themselves can create a plan of transition for Cuba. Nobody can take the place of the Cuban people in bringing about changes and in taking the lead role in her history, and nobody can deny the Cuban people the path towards a better, more free and more just society that the people themselves want and need now," the statement declares.
After noting that "we Cubans are all brothers and sisters" and have "a right to have rights," the CLM underscored that it would continue down "the path of non-violence" in its struggle for respect for human rights and freedom and for the right of the Cuban people to express what the they think without fear of harassment.
"We shall demand all of our rights, including those spelled out the current Constitution, such as the right to propose changes to the laws, as the Varela Project proposes," the statement reads.
The statement acknowledges that "no man is so evil that he cannot be saved" and that those love must love their enemies as well. At the same time, the CLM called on Cubans "not to submit to the power of hatred and lies out of fear or personal gain" and thus jeopardize "the freedom and dignity that God gives us as His children."
The group also called in international organizations such as the UN, and on all nations and peoples "to heed the call of this people."
"Cuba, our homeland, is our promised land. Therefore this is not a call to a mass exodus to other nearby countries, but rather to take the step in solidarity towards liberation, towards the conquest of all justice and rights for all, towards freedom, reconciliation, and peace among all Cubans," the statement concludes.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA