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Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
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Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
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Records of the Office of the Public Liaison (Clinton Administration)
Suzanna Valdez's Files
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FOIA Number: 2016-0920-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Public Liaison
Series/Staff Member:
Suzanna Valdez
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
9445
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
30
5
6
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. list
re: Contacts from Dade County [Personally Identifiable Information]
04/27/1996
b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
002. cable
re: Victims of Iran air flight 655 (Personal) (3 pages)
06/07/1989
b(6)
003. list
re: Contacts from Dade County [Personally Identifiable Information]
04/27/1996
b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
Suzanna Valdez
OA/Box Number: 9445
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
2016-0920-F
jm 1916
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA|
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes ((b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Cuba File '96
G. Families/Shoot Down
1. Memos
2. News Clippings
H. Cuba Envoy
1. Memos
2. News Clippings
3. Letters
I. Rafters Aug.
1. Memos
2. News Clippings
J. Nuccio
1. Memos
2. News Clippings
Cuba File '96
En San José, California
INS inaugura
nuevo centro para
ciudadanos
C
n total de dos mil 400
con anterioridad en Los Angeles,
nuevos ciudadanos
Nueva York, Miami y Chicago.
fueron juramentados en
"Para finales del verano, más de
dos ceremonias separadas que
un millón de nuevos ciudadanos
tuvieron lugar en San José,
serán juramentados en todo el
California, el miércoles 19 de
país, el doble del número que se
junio, informaron fuentes del
juramentaron en 1995", dijo De la
Servicio de Inmigración y
Viña. "El establecimientos de cen-
Naturalización de los Estados
tros de ciudadanía como el de San
Unidos.
José es una parte crucial e integral
Los nuevos ciudadanos fueron
de nuestro esfuerzo para ayudar a
juramentados por Juez Federal del
inmigrantes elegibles a que se con-
Distrito Edward Infante, en la que
viertan en nuevos ciudadanos".
el orador principal fue el Director
El nuevo centro de San José
de la Región Occidental del INS,
triplicará el número de entrevistas
Gus de la Viña.
para ciudadanía. que se estaban
Viña también cortó la cinta que
realizando cada mes, que en el
dio por inauguradas el nuevo cen-
mes de junio ya suman 8,000
tro de ciudadanía localizado en la
entrevistas.
Torre del Centro Cívico de San
"Este centro es un tributo a la
José. California. El nuevo Centro
creatividad y determinación de los
tiene una capacidad de procesar
trabajadores del INS en San José,
más de 500 aplicaciones para ciu-
este es un momento de orgullo
dadanía diariamente, la que
para nosotros", dijo Tom Schitgers,
establecida como parte del pro-
Director del INS en San
grama Citizenship USA. Además
Francisco, a cuya jurisdicción
del centro de San José, también
pertenece el nuevo centro.
existen los centros establecidos
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
En incendio de iglesias washin gton panic
Clinton descarta
conspiración
E
1 presidente Clinton
Alcohol Tabaco y Armas de
descartó esta semana
Fuego (ATF por sus sigls en
la existencia de una
inglés), agencia federal encarga-
conspiracióin en el incendio
da de investigar los siiestros, se
intencional de iglesias, de feligre-
han registrado un total de 38
ses afroamericanos, registrados
incendios intencionales.
en los estados del sur del país en
Los taque ontra las iglesias
los últimos 18 meses.
afroamericnas recuerdan casos
Al presidir una reunión con
similares perpetrados durante las
ocho gobernadores sureños, el
décadas de los años 50 y 60 por
mandatario aceptó, sin embargo,
grupos como el Ku Klux Klan,
que atrás de los siniestros hay
que mediante los ataques pre-
motivos racistas que reflejan los
tendían frenar la lucha por los
actuales conflictos raciales en
derchos civiles de la población
Estados Unidos.
negra estadounidense.
"Creo que muchos de los inci-
Clinton junto con los gober-
dentes fueron motivados por sen-
nadores y la procurado Janet
timientos racistas, y que tienden
Reno, discutieron estrategias para
a repetirse de un caso a otro, pero
atrapar a los responsables de los
no porque no estén relacionados
incendios y procesarlos de acuer-
significa que no los rechacemos
do a la ley.
en su conjunto", expresó Clinton.
Entre los temas analizados
Desde enero de 1995, el sur
durante la reunión, en la que tam-
estadounidense se ha visto abati-
bién estuvieron presente congre-
do por una ola de incendios inten-
sistas demócratas y republicanos,
cionales que hná tendio como
destacó la canalización de 12 mil-
objetivo iglesias de feligreses
lones de dólares para un acam-
afroamericanos.
paña tendiente a reducir los
En los últimos 18 meses, de
ataques.
acuerdo a las cifras del Buró de
Than
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
A6 SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1996
R
3
Cuban Hijackers, Pilot
Rescued After Crashing
Passengers Seek Asylum as U.S. Probes Incident
Reuter
"We don't know why the plane
ditched in the ocean. It could have
MIAMI, Aug. 16-Three Cuban
hijackers apparently used a knife to-
run out of gas or had mechanical
day to force the pilot of a small plane
problems, or the pilot may just have
to fly to the west coast of Florida,
decided to intentionally ditch it,"
where the aircraft crashed into the
Woodring said.
Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Coast Guard
The identities and ages of the four
and Customs officials said.
Cuban nationals were not immedi-
All four Cubans aboard were res-
ately available.
cued by a lifeboat dispatched from a
U.S. immigration officials were to
nearby Russian freighter.
interview the Cubans to determine if
The three Cuban passengers im-
any could apply for political asylum.
mediately asked for political asylum,
U.S. Customs agents regularly
while the pilot said he wanted to re-
turn home, according to Russian
crew members interviewed by U.S.
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
officials.
'We don't know why
At the time of the crash, Customs
agents said they were pursuing and
the plane ditched.
videotaping the unidentified small
plane as a possible drug smuggler.
The pilot may
"We will definitely explore this as
possible drug smuggling, but all indi-
just have decided to
cations at this point are that it was
not drug-related," said Customs
intentionally ditch
spokesman Mike Sheehan.
Customs radar controllers detec-
it."
ted the small aircraft at 9:10 a.m.
- Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Woodring,
EDT and dispatched a Cessna Cita-
Coast Guard
tion jet to intercept it. The Customs
airplane followed the suspicious Cu-
pursue small unidentified airplanes
ban aircraft for more than an hour
heading into Florida airspace, Shee-
and videotaped its movements until
han said.
the small plane jettisoned its two
doors and crashed into the ocean.
"If we cannot identify the plane on
The plane was described by offi-
radar, and if it's coming from the
cials as a single-engine Polish "Wil-
south, we have to think it's a doper,"
ga" airplane, a six-seater often used
he said. "And whenever a plane jetti-
as a platform for parachute jumpers.
sons its doors, it looks to us like it
Customs pilots were told by offi-
could be an airdrop of drugs."
cers aboard the Russian ship that
the pilot of the aircraft claimed he
was hijacked by the three passen-
gers who used a gun or a knife,
Sheehan said. "The three passen-
gers apparently admitted hijacking
the aircraft, but they say that no
weapons were involved."
The Russian freighter Irbenskiy
Proliv was about 50 miles west of Na-
ples, Fla., when its crew saw the
plane crash. Crew members sent a
motorized life boat to rescue the four.
The hijackers claimed that they
had conducted an airdrop of political
pamphlets protesting the Feb. 24
shooting down of two Cuban exile
airplanes flown hv Brothers the
Passengers Seek Asylum as U.S. Probes Incident
Reuter
"We don't know why the plane
ditched in the ocean. It could have
MIAMI, Aug. 16-Three Cuban
hijackers apparently used a knife to-
run out of gas or had mechanical
day to force the pilot of a small plane
problems, or the pilot may just have
to fly to the west coast of Florida,
decided to intentionally ditch it,"
where the aircraft crashed into the
Woodring said.
Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Coast Guard
The identities and ages of the four
and Customs officials said.
Cuban nationals were not immedi-
All four Cubans aboard were res-
ately available.
cued by a lifeboat dispatched from a
U.S. immigration officials were to
nearby Russian freighter.
interview the Cubans to determine if
The three Cuban passengers im-
any could apply for political asylum.
mediately asked for political asylum,
U.S. Customs agents regularly
while the pilot said he wanted to re-
furn home, according to Russian
crew members interviewed by U.S.
officials.
" We don't know why
At the time of the crash, Customs
agents said they were pursuing and
the plane ditched.
videotaping the unidentified small
plane as a possible drug smuggler.
The pilot may
"We will definitely explore this as
possible drug smuggling, but all indi-
just have decided to
cations at this point are that it was
not drug-related," said Customs
intentionally ditch
spokesman Mike Sheehan.
Customs radar controllers detec-
it."
ted the small aircraft at 9:10 a.m.
- Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Woodring,
EDT and dispatched a Cessna Cita-
Coast Guard
tion jet to intercept it. The Customs
airplane followed the suspicious Cu-
pursue small unidentified airplanes
ban aircraft for more than an hour
heading into Florida airspace, Shee-
and videotaped its movements until
han said.
the small plane jettisoned its two
"If we cannot identify the plane on
doors and crashed into the ocean.
The plane was described by offi-
radar, and if it's coming from the
cials as a single-engine Polish "Wil-
south, we have to think it's a doper,"
ga" airplane, a six-seater often used
he said. "And whenever a plane jetti-
as a platform for parachute jumpers.
sons its doors, it looks to us like it
Customs pilots were told by offi-
could be an airdrop of drugs."
cers aboard the Russian ship that
the pilot of the aircraft claimed he
was hijacked by the three passen-
gers who used a gun or a knife,
Sheehan said. "The three passen-
gers apparently admitted hijacking
the aircraft, but they say that no
weapons were involved."
The Russian freighter Irbenskiy
Proliv was about 50 miles west of Na-
ples, Fla., when its crew saw the
plane crash. Crew members sent a
motorized life boat to rescue the four.
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
The hijackers claimed that they
had conducted an airdrop of political
pamphlets protesting the Feb. 24
shooting down of two Cuban exile
airplanes flown by Brothers to the
Rescue, Sheehan said.
The plane apparently was hijacked
after it left Guanabacoa, Cuba, this
morning, according to Coast Guard
Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Woodring. A
Coast Guard patrol boat was sent to
pick up the Cubans from the freight-
er, he said.
Monday, April 29, 1996
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Burritos
Redskin Potatoes
Fresh Fruit
Orange Juice
ALL FOOD ITEMS ABOARD AF-1 ARE PREPARED WITH
LO-FAT OR NO FAT INGREDIENTS
Air Force One
04/29/97
07:54
202 456 9130
NSC-INTERAMERICA
002/002
Cuba
The Administration's policy is to promote a peaceful,
democratic transition in Cuba, provide support to Cuban people
and independent groups that seek change, and keep migration as
safe and orderly as possible.
We are implementing the Libertad Act (Helms-Burton) in a
manner that maximizes pressure on the Castro government while
minimizing tensions with our friends and allies.
- The President has suspended the right to file private
actions under Title III, allowing us time to work with
our allies on concrete steps to promote democracy in
Cuba. The EU last December approved a historic "Common
Position" conditioning improved relations with Cuba on
real progress toward democracy and respect for human
rights.
- Under Title IV, executives of two companies have been
barred from entering the United States, and senior
officers of two dozen other firms are under investigation
for "trafficking" in confiscated Cuban properties.
- The regime's angry reaction to the President's report on
"Support for a Democratic Transition in Cuba," mandated
by Title II, is proof that it hit a raw nerve.
The Administration is supporting efforts to strengthen civil
society in Cuba through increased people-to-pecple contacts
and information flows. We have approved one grant (for
Freedom House) for $500,000 to distribute informational
materials. We have approved licenses for 10 U.S. news
organizations to open bureaus in Cuba, although only one (CNN)
has received Cuban permission to do so.
We continue to implement the September 1994 and May 1995
Migration Accords, returning and monitoring the treatment of
migrants interdicted at sea -- while ensuring that those with
significant fear of persecution are not repatriated but
provided third-country resettlement.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. list
re: Contacts from Dade County [Personally Identifiable Information]
04/27/1996
b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
Suzanna Valdez
OA/Box Number: 9445
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
2016-0920-F
jm1916
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
APR-27-96 SAT 11:08 BIRD ROAD
P.02
241-7351
[001]
DAM Canty
RICARDO MENDEZ
SS
will AVIDON Dept. Dinector of Fredit
DOB
(b)(6)
MIRTA MENDEZ
305-166 - 95001 (n) 305-552-7619
SS
becan Bank Bank officer
DOB
(b)(6)
Assistant President
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
EDILFA PEREZ
coll (305) 632 3151
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
DANE Cunty Corts
Senior Jishae Suppirt administrate
MAGGIE KHULY
(305) 661 - 0301
SS
(b)(6)
DOB
Archeitict Wholy And As,
MARLENE V. ALEJANDRE
305-666-9375 661-4611
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
PATHOLOGY Dept SLUTH Mivimi Hospital
MARLENE ALEJANDRE
SS
Student University of Florida
DOB
(b)(6)
(305) 237-7409 Dragned semister (305) the 661 2145
ANA CIERESZKO
Dische Int'l deads top eloponent Corncil for ran elected
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
Miami Dade Com Coll. Professor
watsin handwr Downtown 315-717-4002 Beper
RAQUEL PEREZ
SS
(305) 261-0146 264-0974
Paur
DOB
(b)(6)
cason of MANU delapena
ESTER ROSAL
305-945-7534 OR 220-2483
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
Grand nether of Murle is /a Femar
(F)Massie khuly Pizzz
MinamiDe la Peña
662-1500 162-1222
Vant justice expected
(f)287-9401
hant to know PORS supports is
it Shon 11 what hand of People they are
Sandan Suan
Satash 579-
2292
Davise
2099
ANDAWCIA
sycur
BAKERY
Alejasdre family have the wife been meght
devorced
if to modey should
go to daughter
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
To: 2024567150
From: EOP PUB. FAX LINE
3-28-96
4:21
Pm
Page 2 of 5
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 26, 1996
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
The Briefing Room
4:00 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Two days ago, in broad daylight
and without justification, Cuban military aircraft shot down two civilian planes in
international airspace. Search and rescue efforts by the Coast Guard, which began
immediately after we received word of the incident, have failed to find any of the four
individuals who were aboard the airplanes.
These small airplanes were unarmed and clearly 30. Cuban
authorities knew that. The planes posed no credible threat to Cuba's security.
Although the group that operated the planes had entered Cuban airspace in the past on
other flights, this is no excuse for the attack, and provides -- let me emphasize -- no
legal basis under international law for the attack. We must be clear: This shooting
of civilian aircraft out of the air was a flagrant violation of international law. It
is wrong and the United States will not tolerate it.
Saturday's attack is further evidence that Havana has become more
desperate in its efforts to deny freedom to the people of Cuba. Also on Saturday the
Cuban Council, a broad group that wants to bring democracy to Cuba, had planned a day
of peaceful discussion and debate. Instead, in the days leading up to this gathering,
scores of activists were arrested and detained. Two have already been sentenced to
long prison terms. They join about 1,000 others in Cuba who were in jail solely
because of their desire for freedom. Now the downing of these planes demands a firm
response from both the United States and the international community. I am pleased
that the European Union today strongly condemned the action.
Last night, on my instructions, Ambassador Albright convened an
emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to condemn the Cuban action
and to present the case for sanctions on Cuba until it agrees to abide by its
obligation to respect civilian aircraft and until it compensates the families of the
victims.
Today, I am also ordering the following unilateral actions. First,
I am asking that Congress pass legislation that will provide immediate compensation to
the families, something to which they are entitled under international law, out of
Cuba's blocked assets here in the United States. If Congress passes this legislation,
we can provide the compensation immediately.
Second, I will move promptly to reach agreement with the Congress
on the pending Helms-Burton Cuba legislation SO that it will enhance the effectiveness
of the embargo in a way that advances the cause of democracy in Cuba.
Third, I have ordered that Radio Marti expand its reach. All the
people of Cuba must be able to learn the truth about the regime in Havana -- the
isolation it has earned for itself through its contempt for basic human rights and
international law.
To: 2024567150
From: EOP PUB. FAX LINE
3-28-96 4:21 pm
Page 3 of 5
- 2 -
Fourth, I am ordering that additional restrictions be put on travel
in the United States by Cuban officials who reside here, and that visits by Cuban
officials to cur country be further limited.
Finally, all charter air travel from the United States to Cuba will
be suspended indefinitely.
These deliberate actions are the right ones at this time. They
respond to Havana in a way that serves our goals of accelerating the arrival of
democracy in Cuba. But I am not ruling out any further steps in the future, should
they be required.
Saturday's attack was an appalling reminder of the nature of the
Cuban regime -- repressive, violent, scornful of international law. In our time,
democracy has swept the globe, from the Philippines exactly 10 years ago, to Central
and Eastern Europe, to South Africa, to Haiti, to all but one nation in our hemisphere.
I will do everything in my power to see that this historic tide reaches the shores of
Cuba.
And let me close by extending on behalf of our family and our country
our deepest condolences to those in the families of those who lost their lives.
END
4:03 P.M. EST
ALEJANDRE FAMILY:
Marlene Alejandre
Margarita (Maggy) Alejandre Khuly
COSTA FAMILY:
Mirta Mendez
Richard Mendez
DE LA PEÑA FAMILY:
Miriam de la Peña
Mario de la Peña
MORALES FAMILY:
Nelson Morales
ADDITIONAL NAMES:
Carlos Ruga
Lilly Ruga
Maria Teresa Fernandez
Amalia San Pedro
James Ward
GREENBERG
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
TRAURIG
Transmittal Cover Sheet
TO
Suzana Valdes
Company
Fax Number
(202) 456-6218
Phone Number
FROM
Maggie Khuly
File Number
9.236760
Comments
I
Date
10/31/96
Time
1:30pm
No. Pages
Including this cover sheet 14pgs
Please notify us immediately if not received properly at 305-579-0500.
The information contained in this transmission is attorney privileged and confidential. It is intended only for the use of the
individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the Intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
dissemination, distribution or copy of this communication is strictly prohibited. if you have received this communication in
error, please notify us immediately by telephone collect and return the original message to us at the address below via the
U.S. Postal Service. We will reimburse you for your postage. Thank you.
1221 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131 305-579-0600 Fax 305-579-0717
101
900 'ON
GREENBERG TRAURIG -> 202 456 6628
14:40
10/31/96
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
CONTACT:
October 31, 1996
Sandy Grossman
(305) 579-0627
CONFIDENTIAL
Lourdes Brezo Martinez
DRAFT
(305) 579-0776
PRESS CONFERENCE SET
FAMILIES OF PILOTS SHOT DOWN OVER STRAITS
FILE 3 LAWSUITS IN FEDERAL COURT TODAY
DETERMINED TO BE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
INITIALS: INITIALS: JM DATE: 6/28/18
2016- 0920-F
MIAMI, Florida (October 31", 1996) - A press conference has been
scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today at 1221 Brickell Avenue (in the Conference
Room located on the 22nd Floor) to discuss three lawsuits filed this morning
in Miami Federal Court by the familles of Armando Alejandre, Carlos Costa,
and Mario M. de la Peña. The lawsuits arise out of the shooting down of
two unarmed, U.S. civilian aircraft on February 24, 1996, while these were
flying over international waters and engaged in 8 humanitarian search and
rescue mission for Cuban rafters in the Florida Straits. The families of the
downed pilots will issue a statement in person at the press conference.
More information is available to the media by contacting Sandy Grossman
or Lourdes Brezo Martinez at (305) 579-0627 or (305) 579-0776.
NO. 406 002
GREENBERG TRAURIG -> 202 456 6628
14:41
10/31/96
PRESS STATEMENT
On February 24, 1996, our loved ones, Armando Alejandre, Jr., Carlos Costa and
Mario de la Peña, were shot down and killed by the Cuban Air Force while on a
humanitarian search and rescue mission over the Florida Straits. As verified by the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in its report of June 1996, our loved ones
were flying two small, unarmed civilian aircraft over international waters, when they were
killed by missiles fired from Cuban MiGs following orders given by Cuban Air Force
officials. The planes carrying Armando, Carlos and Mario were attacked and destroyed
while flying over international waters, well outside of the territorial waters of Cuba.
Neither the MiGs nor Cuban civilian or military ground control issued any warnings prior
to the attacks.
Despite ICAO's findings and the fact that this act of brutality has been universally
condemned, most notably by the United Nations Security Council, we feel that those
responsible for these killings have yet to face the full consequences of their actions. As a
result, we continue to work through legal channels to pursue all means available to us to
find justice.
Three separate lawsuits have been filed today, one by the widow of Armando
Alejandre, Jr_, one by the parents of Carlos Alberto Costa, and one by the parents of Mario
Manuel de la Peña, against the Republic of Cuba and the Cuban Air Force. These lawsuits
are brought pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, passed
by Congress in April of this year, which among other things granted all U.S. citizens a
vehicle for redressing extra judicial killing resulting from state sponsored terrorism. We
exercise this right as American citizens in order to seek justice for the brutal killing of our
family members and in hopes of deterring similar acts of brutality against other U.S. citizens
in the future.
We have lost sons, a husband and father and brothers. The void caused by
Armando, Carlos & Mario's deaths is impossible to fill. To us, their families, there is no
consolation possible. The emptiness will always remain and our families will forever be
incomplete. The pain will be with us all of our lives and we know that nothing will bring
Armando, Carlos and Mario back. We owe it to them to do everything in our power to
hold those responsible for their deaths fully accountable. Armando, Carlos and Mario set
an example for us with their courage, generosity and commitment to the human rights of
all, and this is the legacy they leave behind. We believe it is our duty to see this legacy
fulfilled. We will never forget them.
THE ALEJANDRE, COSTA AND DE LA PEÑA FAMILIES
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
MONROE DIVISION
CASE NO.
MARLENE ALEJANDRE, individually
and as personal representative
of the Estate of ARMANDO ALEJANDRE,
deceased,
Plaintiff,
vs.
THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA;
THE CUBAN AIR FORCE,
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT
Plaintiff MARLENE ALEJANDRE, individually and as personal
representative of the Estate of ARMANDO ALEJANDRE, sues THE
REPUBLIC OF CUBA and THE CUBAN AIR FORCE and alleges as follows:
PARTIES
1. Plaintiff MARLENE ALEJANDRE is a national of the United
States, and resides in the City of Miami, Florida.
2. At the time of his death, Plaintiff's spouse, ARMANDO
ALEJANDRE, was a national of the United States and resident in
Miami.
3. At all times material, Plaintiff MARLENE ALEJANDRE was,
is and/or will be the duly appointed Administrator, Executor and/or
LAW OFFICES. POONURST ORSECK JOSEFBBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN & PERWIN, P.A. . OF COUNSEL WALTER M. BECKMAM, JR.
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET . SUITE 800. MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
12051 358-2800
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Personal Representative of the Estate of ARMANDO ALEJANDRE,
deceased.
4. As Administrator, Executor and/or Personal Representative
of decedent's estate, Plaintiff brings this action for the
decedent's wrongful death in her representative capacity, on behalf
of the following potential survivors and/or beneficiaries:
a. Marlene Alejandre, wife of decedent;
b. Marlene Victoria Alejandre, daughter of decedent.
5. Defendant THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA ("CUBA") is a foreign
state, as defined in 28 U.S.C. § 1603, located in the Caribbean
Sea, approximately 90 miles south of Key West, Florida.
6. Defendant THE CUBAN AIR FORCE is a military entity which
is a political subdivision of the government of CUBA. THE CUBAN
AIR FORCE is the division of the Cuban military which conducted the
acts of extrajudicial killing described herein.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
7. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of
this action under 28 U.S.C. § 1330 and 28 U.S.C. § 1331 in that
Plaintiff's claims are brought pursuant to the Foreign Sovereign
Immunities Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1602 et seg.
8. CUBA and THE CUBAN AIR FORCE are subject to suit in the
courts of the United States under and in accordance with the
provisions of 28 U.S.C. §§ 1604 and Section 221(a) of the
Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. No.
104-132 (to be codified at 28 U.S.C. § 1605(7)).
2
LAW OFFICES. PODNURBT ORSECK JOSEFSBERG CATON MEADOW OLIN 6 PERWIN, P.A. OF COUNSEL WALTER H. BECKNAM, JR.
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET SUITE BOO, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
(306) 388-2800
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9. Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. &
1391(f)(1).
CUBA
10. The government of CUBA is a totalitarian dictatorship
known for its multiple human rights violations. Fidel Castro, the
head of its dictatorship, is directly responsible for the conduct
of CUBA in its affairs.
11. CUBA both supports and engages in terrorist activities.
These activities, as demonstrated by CUBA's attack on February 24,
1996 against two unarmed civilian aircraft flying over
international waters, constitute violations of the law of nations
and of at least the following international laws and agreements:
a. The Convention on International Civil Aviation and
the 1984 Montreal Protocol to the Convention;
b. The 1973 Montreal Convention for the Suppression of
Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civilian Aircraft, article
1;
C. The 1966 International Convention on Civil and
Political Rights, article 6;
d. The 1969 American Convention on Human Rights (Pact
of San Jose), article 4;
e. The General Assembly Resolutions on Measures to
Prevent International Terrorism, G.A. Res. 40/61 (1985) and G.A.
Res. 42/159 (1987) ;
f. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Dec. 10,
3
LAW OFFICES, POOHURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN & PERWIN, P.A. - OF COUNSEL WALTER HL BECKHAM. JR.
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET - SUITE 600. MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
(305) 358-2800
900
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1948 G.A. Res. 217A (III), U.N. Doc A/810, articles 3 and 5
(1948).
12. In addition to formal treaties and international
agreements, the prohibition against extrajudicial killing and
similar forms of terrorism, particularly when directed against
unarmed civilian aircraft, is a basic jus cogens norm of
international law.
13. Violation of a jus cogens norm subjects the perpetrator
to universal jurisdiction.
14. CUBA is currently designated by the United States as a
state sponsor of terrorism under § 6(j) of the Export
Administration Act of 1979, 50 U.S.C. App. $ 2405(j), and § 620A of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 22 U.S.C. 5 2371. The
designation is published at 61 Fed. Reg. 12927 (1996).
15. Under 28 U.S.C. S 1605(7), the sovereign immunity of a
foreign state is waived when a U.S. national plaintiff seeks money
damages in United States courts for acts of extrajudicial killing
for which the foreign state is responsible.
16. In an unprecedented act of cowardice, CUBA engaged in a
willful and deliberate act of extrajudicial killing on February 24,
1996 by shooting down two unarmed, civilian aircraft flying over
international waters on a humanitarian search and rescue mission.
THE CUBAN AIR FORCE
17. Plaintiff realleges and reasserts paragraphs 1 through 16
as if fully set forth herein.
4
LAW OFFICES, PODMURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN 6 PERWIN. RA.- OF COUNSEL WALTER H. BECKHAM, JR.
28 WEST FLAGGER STREET - SUITE 800, MIAMI. FLORIDA 33130-1780
13051 358-2400
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18. THE CUBAN AIR FORCE actively and knowingly participated
in the acts of extrajudicial killing described herein. The
jurisdictional and related principles described above apply with
equal force to the liability of THE CUBAN AIR FORCE.
FACTS OF THE CASE
19. Plaintiff's decedent was a volunteer aiding a Miami-based
humanitarian organization engaged in search and rescue operations
in the Straits of Florida.
20. On Saturday, February 24, 1996, decedent departed from
Opa Locka Airport in Florida aboard an unarmed civilian aircraft,
registration number N5485S. Two other unarmed and defenseless
civilian aircraft accompanied this aircraft on a humanitarian
mission.
21. The decedent was flying a humanitarian mission, identical
to many hundreds flown since 1991, and posed no threat whatsoever
to the government of CUBA, THE CUBAN AIR FORCE, or the Cuban
people.
22. The civilian aircraft notified air traffic controllers as
to their flight plans, which would take them south of the 24th
parallel and close to Cuban airspace. International law provides
a nation with airspace over the 12-mile territorial sea.
23. The response of Fidel Castro's dictatorship to decedent's
lawful flight was to scramble two MiG fighter jets from a Havana
airfield.
5
LAW OFFICES, PODMURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN 6 PERWIN, P.A. - or COUNSEL WALTER M. BRCKHAM, JR.
26 WEST FLAGLER STREET - SUITE 600, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
13051 358-2800
300
900 "ON
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24. At approximately 3:21 p.m., the pilot of one of the Cuban
MiGs received permission and proceeded to shoot down civilian
aircraft # N2456S over international waters, outside Cuban
airspace.
25. At no time did the pilots of the Cuban MiG fighters nor
Havana air traffic controllers make any effort to establish radio
communication or contact with civilian aircraft, # N2456S, nor
attempt any other internationally accepted means of interception,
prior to the grant of hostile authorization and subsequent killing
of innocent, unarmed civilians.
26. Approximately six minutes later, the pilot of the Cuban
fighter jet received permission and proceeded to shoot down
civilian aircraft # N5485S over international waters, outside Cuban
airspace.
27. At no time did the pilots of the Cuban MiG fighters nor
Havana controllers make any effort to establish radio communication
or contact with civilian aircraft, # N5485S, nor attempt any other
internationally accepted means of interception, prior to the grant
of hostile authorization and subsequent killing of innocent,
unarmed civilians.
28. The civilian aircraft shot down by CUBA and THE CUBAN AIR
FORCE never entered Cuban airspace on February 24, 1996.
29. There were no survivors of the attack on these aircraft.
Plaintiff's decedent perished in the attack.
6
LAW OFFICES. PODMURST ORSECK JOBEFSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN & PERWIN, P.A. . or COUNSEL WALTER M. BECKMAM, JR.
28 WEST FLAGLER STREET . SUITE BOO, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
13051 358.2000
600
900 "ON
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30. The Cuban dictatorship, if it truly felt threatened by
the flight of these unarmed aircraft, could have and should have
pursued other peaceful options as required by international law.
31. The response chosen by Fidel Castro, the use of lethal
force, was completely inappropriate to the situation presented to
the Cuban Government, making such actions a blatant and barbaric
violation of international law and tantamount to cold-blooded
murder.
32. On or about February 27, 1996, the United Nations
Security Council issued a statement strongly deploring "the
shooting down by the Cuban Air Force of the two civilian airplanes
on 24 February, 1996." United Nations Security Council: Statement
on the Shooting Down by the Cuban Air Force of the Two Civilian
Aircraft, 35 I.C.M. 493 (1996).
33. On March 1, 1996, President Clinton issued Proclamation
6867, which states that "Cuban military aircraft intercepted and
destroyed two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in
international airspace north of Cuba." Proclamation 6867 also
indicates that "the Government of Cuba has demonstrated a ready and
reckless willingness to use excessive force, including deadly
force, in the ostensible enforcement of its sovereignty."
34. On March 6, 1996, the Council of the International Civil
Aviation Organization ("ICAO") adopted a Resolution directing the
Secretary General to initiate an investigation of the incident in
its entirety to determine all relevant facts and technical aspects.
7
LAW OFFICES. PODMURST ORSECK JOSEPSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN & PERWIN, RA. - OF COUNSEL WALTER M. BECKMAM JR.
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET SUITE 800. MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
(305) 358-2600
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The Council further directed that these findings were to be
reported to the ICAO Council.
35. On June 27, 1996, the Council of the ICAO adopted a
Resolution reaffirming its condemnation of the use of lethal force
against civil aircraft in flight and declaring such practices
incompatible with the rules of customary international law.
36. The Report of the ICAO Fact-Finding Investigation, issued
in June 1996 ("ICAO Report"), concluded that civilian aircraft
N2456S and N5485S were both shot down in international waters
outside of Cuban territorial airspace.
37. The ICAO Report concluded that means other than
interception were available to Cuba, such as radio communication,
but had not been utilized. The Report further concluded that this
conflicted with the ICAO principle that interception of civil
aircraft should be undertaken only as a last resort.
38. The ICAO Report concluded that in executing these
attacks, the Cuban military pilots did not follow universally
accepted international aviation procedures, in accordance with ICAO
provisions and as published in Cuba, for maneuvering and signaling
by military interceptor aircraft.
39. The government of CUBA and THE CUBAN AIR FORCE have
acknowledged their direct participation in and responsibility for
the deliberate destruction of the civilian aircraft on February 24,
1996, and therefore, for the death of ARMANDO ALEJANDRE, on whose
behalf Plaintiff brings this action.
8
LAW OFFICES. PODNURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERO EATON MEADOW OLIN 6 PERWIN, RA, OF COUNSEL WALTER W. BECKMAM JR.
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET SUITE 600. MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
(305) 358-2800
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40. The government of the United States has concluded and
affirmed that CUBA bears full responsibility, through its own acts
and those of its political subdivision, THE CUBAN AIR FORCE, for
the deliberate destruction of the civilian aircraft.
COUNT I
Wrongful Death
(Against THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA and
THE CUBAN AIR PORCE)
41. Plaintiff realleges and reasserts paragraphs 1 through 40
as if fully set forth herein.
42. Defendants' actions, for which they are jointly and
severally liable, caused the deliberate and wrongful death of
Plaintiff's spouse by causing the willful and premeditated
destruction of the civilian airplane in which he was flying on
February 24, 1996.
43. Such acts were in violation of the law of nations and
numerous international agreements and treaties, including, but not
limited to, the agreements listed in paragraph 11. These egregious
acts also constituted violations of jus cogens norms of
international law, and applicable common law.
44. As a direct and proximate result of the shootdown,
Defendants are liable to the Plaintiff for all damages to which the
estate, or the survivors and/or beneficiaries are entitled,
including, as applicable law may provide, but not limited to:
a. pain and suffering of the decedent prior to death;
9
LAW OFFICES PODMURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN $ PERWIN, RA. OF COUNSEL WALTER M, BECKHAM, JR.
28 WEST FLAGLER STREET SUITE SOD, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
(303) 358-2800
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b. pain and suffering of the survivors, beneficiaries
and heirs of decedent;
C.
lost society, companionship, guidance, and services
of the decedent to the survivors, beneficiaries and heirs;
d. loss of support in money or in kind;
e.
lost net accumulations;
f. lost value of life;
g.
funeral expenses;
h. any and all other damages to which Plaintiff, the
survivors and/or beneficiaries may be entitled.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against THE REPUBLIC OF
CUBA and THE CUBAN AIR FORCE for compensatory damages, plus
interest and costs.
COUNT II
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
(Against THE CUBAN AIR FORCE)
45. Plaintiff realleges and reasserts paragraphs 1 through 40
as if fully set forth herein.
46. The extreme and outrageous acts of the defendant, THE
CUBAN AIR FORCE, in shooting down the unarmed civilian aircraft and
killing their occupants were intentional, willful and/or wantonly
reckless acts.
47. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1606, Plaintiff is entitled to
recover punitive damages from Defendant, THE CUBAN AIR FORCE, for
this extreme and egregious conduct.
10
LAW OFFICES, PODMURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERG CATON MEADOW OLIN 6 BERWIN, RA, . OF COUNSEL WALTER N. BECKHAM, JR
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET - SUITE 800. MIAMI. FLORIDA 33130-1780
(305) 358-2800
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WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, MARLENE ALEJANDRE, demands judgment
against THE CUBAN AIR FORCE for punitive damages pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 1606.
Respectfully Submitted,
FRANK ANGONES, ESQ.
ANGONES, HUNTER, MCCLURE,
LYNCH & WILLIAMS, P.A.
9TH FLOOR, CONCORD BUILDING
66 WEST FLAGLER STREET
MIAMI FL 33130
(0005-112/505)
-and-
ROBERTO MARTINEZ, ESQ.
JUAN CARLOS CAMPOS, ESQ.
GREENBERG, TRAURIG, HOPPMAN,
LIPOFF, ROSEN & QUENTEL, P.A.
1221 BRICKELL AVENUE
MIAMI, FL 33131
(305/579-0050)
-and-
PODHURST, ORSECK, JOSEFSBERG,
EATON, MEADOW, OLIN & PERWIN, P.A.
25 West Flagler Street, Suite 800
Miami, Florida 33130
(305) 358-2800 / Fax (305) 358-2382
By:
V.A.U. AARON S. PODHURST
VICTOR M. DIAZ, JR.
XAVIER MARTINEZ
Fla. Bar Nos. 063606,
503800 and 0059498
11
LAW OFFICES. PODHURST ORSECK JOSEFSBERG EATON MEADOW OLIN 6 PERWIN. P.A. - OF COUNSEL WALTER M, BECKHAM, JR.
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET - SUITE BOO, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33130-1780
(305) 358-2800
11
900 "ON
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Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
Shoot Down
Divider Title:
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
Memos
Divider Title:
susprua
July 19, 1996
Sola
MEMORANDUM FOR ALEXIS HERMAN
JL 20
FROM
SUZANNA VALDEZ
RE
Cuba Envoy
Attached, please find a proposal from Cuban American appointees and the Core group. You
should review and comment to Sandy.
Thanks.
Say
J a fally
up a/ Sang- -
w have are
or more 1
Padro mal
The President's Special Envoy for Cuba
Proposal:
Ambassador Madeleine Albright, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, would be
appointed the titular "Special Envoy," as outlined by the President on July 16th.
Amb. Albright will lend obvious prestige and gravity to the President's stated intentions.
Amb. Albright's role may be limited largely to international-national public
affairs/press-related activities due to her busy schedule at the UN.
Amb. Albright, with her statements during the shootdown of the US civilian planes in
February, already has demonstrated her effectiveness in tackling this nettlesome issue.
Stuart Eizenstadt, the Undersecretary of Commerce for International Affairs and the
immediate former US Ambassador to the European Union, would be designated something
akin to the "Special Representative of the President" -- in effect a deputy to the Special
Envoy or for the six-month period of the suspension, or shorter as desirable.
Amb. Eizenstadt enjoys very high credibility in European capitals; his designation, like
Albright's, would lend prestige and gravity to the President's message and designation
of a special envoy.
Amb. Eizenstadt already is experienced in presenting US views to EU nations,
presumably including our overall views on Cuba and during the planes' shootdown.
Amb. Eizenstadt is known and trusted in both Democratic and bipartisan circles.
Political issues. According to White House political analysts:
(March 1996)
The President, only a month after his signing of Helms-Burton and Amb. Albright's
highly effective public pronouncements on the shootdown, was polling an
unprecedented 45 percent in the South Florida Cuban-American community -- unheard
for a Democratic President among this major statewide "swing" vote.
Rep. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) a key ally of the Administration who is now alienated,
cannot but support this move -- perhaps strongly, as it would enable him to save face.
Cuban-American Democratic supporters ensure us that this will generate strong support
in the community at a critical time both in Florida and in New Jersey.
Assumptions:
The Administration desires an envoy whose stature will convince the Europeans and Latins
that the Administration means business.
The envoy will work to seek the specific outcomes outlined by the President in his July
16th statement.
JUN- 3-96 MON 9:01 BIRD ROAD
P.03
CARLOS ALBERTO COSTA
Born June 23, 1966
Murdered on
February 24, 1996
NEXT OF KIN_
Father :
Osvaldo Costa
Mother :
Mirta Costa
Address :
17822 NW 81 Ct
Hialeah, Fl 33015
Phone :
821-3031
Sister :
Mirta Mendez
9234 SW 9 Terr
Miami, F1 33174
Phone :
552-7629
JUN- - 3-96 MON 9:01 BIRD ROAD
P.02
RELATIVES OF ARMANDO ALEJANDRE, Jr.
1. Marlene
Alejandre (wife) 7500SW 61 street, Miami, FL 33143
2. Marlene Victoria Alejandre (daughter) 7500 SW 61 street, Miami, Fl. 33143
3. A. Armando Alejandre (father) 7525 SW 6a street, Miami, 1-1- 33143
4.
Margarita Alejandre (mother) 7525 SW 62 street, Miami, FL. 33143
5. Margarita Alejandre Khuly (sister) 7501 SW 60 street, Miami,FL 33143
6. Cristina Alejandre
(sister) 7520 SW 61 33143
7. Ana Alejandre Ciereszko
(sister) 7550 SW 61 street, Miami, Fh 33143
I
Mothers/Daughter
2
300,000 dep- distribution
3
Estate
MEMORANDUM TO:
ROB MALLEY
FROM:
SUZANNA VALDEZ
LULA RODRIGUEZ
SUBJECT:
FAMILY COMPENSATION
DATE:
JUNE 4, 1996
In response to our earlier conversation, regarding compensation to the families of the February
24 shootdown victims, we recommend that each family receive equal amounts in compensation.
Based on conversations with the family members, we recommend that the disbursement of
compensation go to the following members:
Armando Alejandre: Survived by his wife, daughter, parents and three sisters. His wife and
daughter should be equal recipients of the compensation.
Carlos Costa: Survived by his parents and sister. His parents should be the recipients.
Mario de la Pena: Survived by his parents and a brother. His parents should be the recipients.
Pablo Morales: The only non-citizen of the group. His mother should be the sole recipient. She
was recently paroled into the U.S. from Cuba. Mrs. Morales has received extensive media
coverage since arriving to South Florida and has maintained a high profile in the Cuban
American community.
We would also recommend that the Director of the Cuba Desk at the State Department travel to
South Florida to inform them of the process and deliver to them the compensation.
cc: Alexis Herman
JUN- 3-96 MON 9:02 BIRD ROAD
P.04
Mario M. de la Peña
American Pilot
Shot Down by Cuban Migs
Over International Waters
February 24, 1996
Next of Kin
Father:
Mario T. de la Peña
(305)
Mother:
Miriam de la Peña
Brother:
Michael T. de la Peña
552-7629
10016 SW 25 Street
Miami, FL 33165
(305) 220-2483
(305)
632-3151
TOTAL P.O1
JUN- 6-96 THU 7:52 BIRD ROAD
P.01
FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
DATE
6/4/96
TO
Suzawna A. Valdez
COMPANY
FAX NO.
FROM
M-Mendez
OF
OCEAN BANK - BIRD ROAD BRANCH
FAX NO. (305) 261-7351
PHONE NO. (305) 266-9500
MESSAGE this is the Morales information
I we all need to be buefedon this
you Wed requested. Please remember
lssue
CHronks
NUMBER OF PAGES SENT INCLUDING COVER SHEET
JUN- 6-96 THU 7:52 BIRD ROAD
P.02
PABLO MORALES
Born May 16, 1966
Murdered on
February 24, 1996
NEXT OF KIN
Mother:
Eva Barbas
Brother:
Nelson Morales
Sister:
Nancy Morales
Address:
6480 West 24th Ave #216
Hialeah, F1
Phone:
819-2608
JUN- 3-96 MON 9:00 BIRD ROAD
P.01
FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
DATE
6/3/96
TO
Suzanna Vuldez
COMPANY
FAX NO.
FROM
Minta Mendez
OF
OCEAN BANK - BIRD ROAD BRANCH
FAX NO. (305) 261-7351
PHONE NO. (305) 266-9500
for except for the Morales, I honen't
MESSAGE Suzunna, Here is the list you asked
been able to reach them &Will tay
again today. We would also like tabe
I received the pictures on Sul. I will
this day We have no information.
updated regarding this mutter tell
gire aut. Please Could you check onthe
pictures of March 12, 96 we home not
received them.
NUMBER OF PAGES SENT INCLUDING COVER SHEET
thanks for your help.
31-96 04:11A Khuly Architects
305 662 1500
P.01
KHULY ARCHITECTS
associates, inc.
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
TO:
SUSANA VALDEZ/ATTN. MARIA GARZA
FROM:
MATGIE KAULY
DATE:
5/31/96
FAX NO.: (202) 456-6218
JOB:
MAY 26/96 LETTER TO PRES. CLINTON
NO. OF COPIES: 3
(INCLUDING COVER LETTER)
REMARKS:
7481 Southwest 50th Terrace Miami. Florida 33155 305 662-1222 Fax:662-1500 AA C001834
FRIDAY / MONDAY
8/17/93
shopted
Hay
by
will
NON-PAPER ON EX GRATIA COMPENSATION OFFER
H
The United States announced its ex gratia compensation offer
in July 1989.
Under this offer, each family of a full-time wage earner
would receive $250,000 and each family of a non-wage earner
would receive $100,000.
These ex gratia payments would be distributed to the
victim's family according to the following formula:
1
-
# tostate
where the victim is survived by a spouse, children and
parents, 40% to the spouse, 40% to the children, and
20% to the parents;
time comp. -
where the victim is survived by a spouse and children,
50% to the spouse and 50% to the children;
-
where the victim is survived by a spouse and parents,
80% to the spouse and 20% to the parents;
-
where the victim is survived by children and parents,
80% to the children and 20% to the parents;
-
Ochild
where the victim is survived by only a spouse, 100% to
the spouse;
-
where the victim is survived by only children, 100% to
the children;
-
where the victim is survived by only parents, each
parent's payment is capped at $80,000;
-
where the victim is not survived by a spouse, children
or parents, payment is made to the surviving siblings,
each of whose payments is capped at $80,000;
-
where the victim is not survived by a spouse, children,
parents, or siblings, no payment is made.
Within each class of individuals (i.e., children, parents,
siblings), where there is more than one individual, the
individuals divide the payment equally.
family nubrs
The cap is no longer
being applied, in light of
the cellement
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002. cable
re: Victims of Iran air flight 655 (Personal) (3 pages)
06/07/1989
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
Suzanna Valdez
OA/Box Number: 9445
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
2016-0920-F
jm1916
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA|
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA|
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
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financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy ((a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
United States Department of State
Fact Sheet
February 22, 1996
Settlement of Iran Air ICJ Case and Iran Tribunal Bank Claims
Iran and the United States have settled Iran's claims against the United States filed before
the International Court of Justice concerning the July 3, 1988, shootdown of Iran Air 655 and Iran's
claims against the United States filed before the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal concerning
certain banking matters. On February 22, 1996, the cases in question were dismissed from the
Court and the Tribunal. No money will be paid to the Government of Iran under the settlement.
The survivors of each victim of the Iran Air shootdown will be paid $300,000 (for wage-
earning victims) or $150,000 (for non-wage-earning victims). For this purpose, $61.8 million will
be deposited with the Union Bank of Switzerland in Zurich in an account jointly held by the New
York Federal Reserve Bank, acting as fiscal agent of the United States, and Bank Markazi, the
central bank of Iran. Payments will be made out of this account upon joint payment instruction by
the Swiss Embassy in Tehran (acting on our behalf, after consulting with the Department of State
with respect to each payment) and the Iranian Bureau of International Legal Services. If additional
funds are required, we agree to replenish the account. If there are excess funds or eight years
elapse from the date the account is opened, any funds left in the account, including interest earned
on the funds, will be returned to the United States.
There is an additional $70 million in the settlement package. Of this, $15 million is to be
deposited in the Security Account established as a part of the 1981 Algiers Accords. This Security
Account is held at the Dutch Central Bank to pay American claimants who receive Tribunal awards.
The remaining $55 million will be deposited in an account at the New York Federal Reserve Bank.
Funds can be drawn from this account only (1) for deposits into the Security Account used to pay
Tribunal awards to American claimants or for payment of Iran's share of the operating expenses of
the Tribunal or (2) to pay debts incurred before the date of the settlement and owed by Iranian banks
to U.S. nationals. A debt must have been held by a U.S. national at the time it was incurred and
at the time it is presented for payment, and any assignment of the debt must have been before the
date of the settlement.
The United States and Iran have reached settlements of legal proceedings in The Hague
several times since the Tribunal was established in 1981. These settlements are entered into when
the United States believes they are justified on a legal and technical basis, and have no political
significance. The bank claims at issue involve Iranian charges that the United States Government
did not return appropriate funds from certain bank accounts after the hostage crisis and that the
United States took actions that prevented payment of certain letters of credit. In one of the matters
covered by the settlement, the Tribunal had found certain U.S. regulations concerning standby letters
of credit were not permitted under the Algiers Accords.
With respect to the Iran Air shootdown, immediately after the incident President Reagan
offered compensation, on an ex gratia (voluntary) basis, to the families of the victims who died.
When Iran brought its case in the ICJ, such payments to Iranian survivors became impossible, but
we proceeded to make payments to non-Iranian survivors. With the dismissal of the ICJ case, the
United States is finally in a position to carry out its long-standing offer to provide ex gratia
compensation.
THE NBW YORK TIM
UNDAY, JULY 8, 1996
B5
NO.718 P001
AMERICANS MURDERED OVER
INTERNATIONAL WATERS
THE FACTS
On February 24, 1996, at 3:30 pm., two Cuban MiG fighters, under orders from their Commander in
Chief, Fidel Castro, shot down two U.S. unarmed civilian Cessna 337 aircraft. Four young men were
killed. Three were Americans. They were flying a humanitarian mission to help rescue rafters flee-
ing Cuba.
The aircraft were over international waters, a fact verified by a cruise ship and fishing boat at the
scene, by U.S. intelligence and the United Nations. They never received any warning. Even if they
had been flying over Cuban waters, there could be no justification for blasting the U.S. aircraft out
of the sky.
The MIG pilots bragged over the radio about having killed the crew members.
Immediately afterwards, the Castro regime launched a propaganda campaign to justify the crime.
THE CRIMINALS
Fidel Castro and his 37-year-old regime
07/08/96 12:59 USIA/E/UG 94566218
According to U.S. Public Law 104-114 of March 12, 1996, Sec. 2:
The Cuban Government engages in the illegal international narcotics trade and harbors fugitives from justice in the United States.
The Castro government threatens international peace and security by engaging in acts of armed subversion and terrorism such as the training and
supplying of groups dedicated to international violence.
The Castro government manipulates the desire to escape that results in mass migration to the United States.
The Castro government continues to utilize blackmail, such as the immigration crisis with which it threatened the United States in the Summer of 1994.
For the past 36 years, the Cuban Government has posed and continues to pose a national security threat to the United States.
Also, the Castro regime:
Is building a Chernobyl-type nuclear plant, posing a threat to the U.S. mainland and the Caribbean.
Denies its 11 million citizens the most basic necessities due to the absolute control of the economy under a totalitarian system.
Has executed thousands and incarcerated hundreds of thousands with sentences of up to 30 years for political reasons.
Has been repeatedly condemned by the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
Has recently increased political repression, incarcerating hundreds of dissidents and sternly threatening the intellectuals.
They were four young idealistic mem
'HE VICTIMS
Brothers to the Rescue, a volunteer organizati
ade up
of pilots who patrol the Florida Straits to rescue Cubans trying to escape in makeshift rafts. Since they
NO.718 P002
began operation in 1991, the Brothers have carried out 1,800 missions and saved thousands from death.
But four will never fly again:
Armando Alejandre Jr., 45
Carlos Costa, 29
Mario de la Peña, 24
Pablo Morales, 29
Vietnam veteran, morried and the father of a
Single, born and raised in Miami. Flew 142 res-
Born in New Jersey, be grew up. in Miami. He
Single. Studied geodesy and cartegraphy in
teenage girl. He was # volunteer helping the
CHE missions, saving more than 500 lives. He
took the plight of the raffers as a personal carase.
Cuba, became disenchanted with the Revolution.
Cuban rafters stranded in the Bahamas. His
tists the flight coordinator for the group and was
Very active in his church youth group, he could
"D was all a farce," he once said.
first and firsal flight as a spotter for Brothers to
pursuing a career in aviation administration.
not hate anybody. "The enemy is Injustice," he
Fleeing Cuba on a timy boat, he was spotted by
the Rescue was on February 24, 1996.
used to say.
Brothers to the Rescue. Later he joined the group.
WHAT CAN I DO?
If you support the following measures, please clip this coupon, sign It and send it to President Clinton at The White House.
07/08/96 12:59 USIA/E/VG 94566218
Mr. President:
I am concerned about the plight of the Cuban people. It must be brought to an end. I encourage you to:
Support measures that would put real international pressure on Castro's regime. Human rights must take precedence over business.
This principle worked in South Africa and Haiti Why not in Cuba?
Call for the indictment in an American court of law of those responsible for this murder: Castro and the MiC pilots.
Give Radio and T.V. Marti the means to effectively reach the Cuban people.
Make public the U.S. findings on Castro's involvement in the drug traffic to this country and indict those responsible.
Investigate and publish the findings on the nuclear plant being built in Cuba.
Support the dissident movement within Cuba as it was done before In Poland and demand the freedom of all political prisoners.
In summary, I agree with the above-mentioned law, Sec.2.(27): The Cuban people deserve to be assisted in a decisive manner to end the tyranny that has
oppressed them for 36 years, and the continued failure to do so constitutes ethically improper conduct by the international community.
Name:
Address:
If you wish to receive more information on Cuba and/or support this information effort, please write or send your donation to:
CUBAN INFORMATION COMMITTEE
PO Miami. El 31.11
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 20, 1996
PRESS BRIEFING
BY PETER TARNOFF,
UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS
The Briefing Room
3:03 P.M. EDT
MR. JOHNSON: Our second briefer for today is the Under
Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Peter Tarnoff, who is going
to speaking to you on the forthcoming ICAO report on Cuba's shootdown
of the two U.S. civilian aircraft.
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Good afternoon. The
International Civilian Aviation Organization, ICAO, has informed us
that it has concluded its investigation of the shootdown of the two
unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft on February 24.
The draft report has been shared with the United States,
as well as with Cuba. And the ICAO investigative team is briefing
U.S. and Cuban representatives today in Montreal on the report. And
we expect that the report itself will be issued very soon.
The United States went to extraordinary lengths to
cooperate with the ICAO investigation. We provided all information
and facilitated all contacts requested by the ICAO investigative
team. And representatives from all relevant U.S. government agencies
met with ICAO investigators. Extensive documents were provided to
the ICAO authorities.
We are, therefore, confident that the report will
demonstrate that the unarmed civilian aircraft were shot down by the
Cuban military in international airspace, that there was no
justification for that outrageous action, and that the Cubans did not
attempt to follow standard international norms in warning the
aircraft.
We understand that the report provides as well a factual
statement of the events leading up to the shootdown and the
shootdowns itself, and provides an analysis of those developments
that we expect the report -- and we expect the report to reach two
key conclusions.
Q
But wait a minute, are you giving us the results of
the reports or what you expect? And is this the report --
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: I'm saying, if I may conclude,
and I'd be glad to answer your question. What I'm doing is saying
that we were briefed on the report. We have not seen the full
version. And this is our impression of what will be in the report as
soon as it's released.
Q
Well, that would help to --
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: The two conclusions that we
expect to be in the report are first that the shootdowns of the U.S.
civilian aircraft took place in international airspace, and that the
Cuban authorities and the MIG pilots did not comply with ICAO
procedures to provide warnings to the aircraft. We emphasize that
the shootdown of these civilian aircraft would have been unjustified
and illegal under international law in any event.
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- 2 -
The Cuban government has claimed that it used deadly
force due to the threat posed by the Brothers to the Rescue flights.
That claim is bogus. While aircraft piloted by Brothers to the
Rescue had allegedly overflown Cuban territory on several previous
occasions and had allegedly dropped leaflets on one or more
occasions, they never posed any danger to Cuba. They have repeatedly
declared their peaceful protest intentions.
The Cuban government knew that the United States had
taken appropriate steps to discourage unauthorized flights into their
territorial airspace and to take enforcement actions against any U.S.
registered pilots who did SO. The record indicates that on a number
of occasions prior to the shootdown, we had informed the Cuban
government that the Brothers to the Rescue had declared their
peaceful intentions and that we were prepared to take appropriate
enforcement action if the Brothers to the Rescue made unauthorized
entry into Cuban airspace.
The Cuban government knew that an investigation was
underway regarding allegations that Brothers to the Rescue pilots had
made an unauthorized entry into Cuban territorial airspace. And we
had urged the Cuban authorities to adhere strictly to international
norms and procedures in responding to any unauthorized entry into
Cuban airspace.
The President on February 26 announced a package of
measures to respond to the shootdown of the aircraft. At that time
he stated that the shooting down of the aircraft was a flagrant
violation of international law which required a strong U.S. and
international response. Those measures remain in force and include,
one, seeking action by a ICAO and eventually the United Nations
Security Council; two, providing compensation to the families of the
victims using blocked Cuban assets in the United States; three,
expanding broadcasts of Radio MARTI to Cuba; four, imposing
additional restrictions on the movement in the U.S. of Cuban
officials and visits by Cuban officials to the U.S.; five, suspending
indefinitely all charter airflights from the U.S. to Cuba; and,
finally, reaching agreement with the Congress to make the Helms-
Burton legislation law.
Our focus today is on the shootdown, but we must not
lose sight of the tragic events still unfolding on that island. The
President emphasized that the shootdown occurred in the context of
desperate ongoing efforts to deny freedom to the people of Cuba. The
atmosphere of repression and ideological retrenchment is the most
severe seen in decades in Cuba. Activists continue to be harassed
and detained and forced into exile. The Cuban regime continues
efforts to destroy the Concilio Cubano -- the broad coalition of
independent pro-democracy groups formed last fall.
The ICAO investigation will delineate the facts and
provide an objective, nonpolitical report of the events of February
24. And we will let the factual report speak for itself. It will be
an important step in the international response.
Now, the United States will seek strong and clear action
at the ICAO council meeting on June 26th, which will consider the
report. Secretary Pena will lead the U.S. delegation to underscore
the importance that we attach to the report and appropriate ICAO
action. Once the report is forwarded by the ICAO to the United
Nations Security Council -- following that meeting -- we will seek
action by the United Nation's Security Council based on the findings
of the report.
Cuba must understand that any repetition of such
reprehensible conduct will have grave repercussions.
Q
What kind of action will you be taking at the U.N.?
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- 3 -
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Well as I indicated, our first
job will be to make sure that U.N. Security Council reviews the
report, and our efforts will be to have a resolution or a President's
statement in New York so that the conclusions of the report will be
endorsed. We -- now that the report has come out, which was a very
important part of our strategy of disclosure and having an
international organization reach its own conclusions, we can be
considering additional action. But the first priority is to make
sure that the U.N. Security Council acts.
Q
-- just acts on a resolution endorsing this report?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Endorsing the report. And we
will have some -- now that we have just seen the report, I don't want
to anticipate exactly what that resolution will be. But we will have
some clear ideas about what actions the U.N. Security Council should
take.
Q
When will the actual report be made public?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: It should be made public
either tomorrow or Monday, and the full council of ICAO, which
Secretary Pena will attend for the United States, is going to be on
the 26th, too. We have every reason to expect to adopt the report.
Q
Where are they going to meet?
Q
Where?
Q
Where are they going to meet?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: In Montreal, which is the
headquarters of ICAO.
Q
Mr. Tarnoff, as a result, in the aftermath of the
shoot down, the founder of Brothers to the Rescue, Jose Basudo, had
his license revoked by the FAA. Do you expect to take any action to
try to reinstate that license at this time?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: That is a procedure that is
being conducted by another department of the government. That
inquiry is ongoing, and I don't think it would be appropriate for me
to comment on that ongoing inquiry.
Q
But it is under consideration?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: It's not -- I'm not saying
what's under consideration or not. But it has been announced, of
course, that a proceeding has been initiated with regard to that, and
I think we have to let it run its course without commentary.
Q
Mr. Tarnoff, you mentioned Helms-Burton as being
one of the outcomes of the shootdown. Can you shed any light on the
President's thinking or the administration's thinking as to how the
waiver provision of Helms-Burton is going to be used?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Actually, I like Mr. Tarullo's
answer to that question. But if I could --
Q
I thought you might have a better --
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: No, because the President has
until the first of August, as you know, to make a decision with
respect to the waiver. The legislation is very clear with regard to
the kinds of things that he will have to determine about
international behavior towards Cuba. In light of that, we have been
in touch with many governments not only about Helms-Burton, but also
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- 4 -
about policy towards Cuba. And it's just premature to even speculate
on what the President's recommendation will be.
Q
Mr. Tarnoff, most of the countries you have been in
contact with are still opposed to the extraterritoriality of the
Helms-Burton. Have you changed any minds?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: I think that we have got them
to understand that -- as part of our discussions with them -- it's in
their interest not only to understand our law and make an attempt to
conform to it, but to work increasingly with the United States on the
problem of Cuba. We have no reason to be defensive about Helms-
Burton and its intention. I think that the behavior of this
government over almost 40 years has been unalterable. And the
shootdown is only the last example of Cuban behavior.
And I find that in the discussions that I have with
foreign government representatives, although many of them do express
concerns about Helms-Burton, they are also increasingly mindful of
the fact that events in Cuba are preoccupying and not likely to
change unless there is greater international pressure.
Q
Mr. Tarnoff, can you give us an example of what
you've just said -- one other foreign government, other than Israel
or Uzbekistan that supported a resolution before the U.N. that in any
way supports your efforts on Helms-Burton? Can you give us some
example of cooperation from some other foreign government?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: I think what we're seeing, and
much of this is done discreetly and much of it is done in
communications between these governments and Cuba, that many
governments in the hemisphere and several in Europe have undertaken
to point out to the Cubans, even before the shootdown, but especially
afterwards, and also after the suppression of the Concilio Cubano,
which took place, as you know, on the day of the shootdown, that they
are at the end of their patience with the Cuban government in many
respects, and the --
Q
But I don't -- (inaudible) -- the question, sir.
That's always been the case on the part of most of the governments in
this particular hemisphere, but I'm taking you back to your point
about since you've implemented the Helms-Burton bill, where have you
seen some understanding on the part of any government in the
hemisphere?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: What we're looking for in the
passage of the Helms-Burton Act, and the President made very clear
when he signed it, is greater cooperation, greater consensus, greater
pressure on Cuba for its behavior over a whole range of issues. Ang
we have seen that. We've seen that in recent months as governments
including, to use one example, the European Union, which had started
a dialogue with Cuba looking to some form of constructive engagement,
but which has pulled back pulled back not only because of the
shootdown, although it was a factor, or the suppression of Concilio
Cubano, but simply because during the course of their very high level
dialogue with the Cuban officials, they came away absolutely
frustrated and believing that there was they came away absolutely
frustrated and believing that there was no prospect of change and,
therefore, more receptive to cooperate with us on a whole series of
measures.
Q
Mr. Tarnoff, why don't you think that if the United
States opens everything to Cuba at once investment, let massive
investment flow into Cuba, trade, air exchange, information,
telephone calls, tourism, wouldn't that provide such a massive shock
to the -- (inaudible) -- Cuban system that the current regime
wouldn't be able to survive very long?
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- 5 -
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: No, I don't believe that at
all.
Q
Why not?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Because I think that over the
past 36 years Fidel Castro has demonstrated two or three things.
First of all, because of the way he is able to exercise control
through his security apparatus and other ways, he has very firm
control of that society. He, as I indicated before, will not be
tempted to engage with the West or the democratic countries around
the world in meaningful reform. I think that's a hopeless, hopeless
prospect. And, therefore, if money and goods and legitimacy,
recognition were afforded to him, I'm absolutely convinced that he
would use it for his own purposes. He would declare victory and not
change one iota of his own system.
Q
With that being the case, if positive benefit
flowing to him won't change his actions, there's certainly been no
indication that negative benefit flowing to him will change his
actions. So, what do you do, simply wait until Castro is dead and
simply isolate the island until we have word that Castro has passed
away?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Well, as you know, the United
States, since the passage of the Cuban Democracy Act four years ago,
has had in addition to our policy of containment and isolation of the
government, a very active program of reaching out to Cuban
individuals and organizations. It's been modeled after much of the
activities that took place in the late '70s and '80s in Eastern
Europe. And tens of millions of dollars, principally from private to
nongovernmental sources, in the United States have gone to Cuba to
support the activity of civic organizations, religious groups, the
very few human rights organizations which were beginning to develop
some following and some autonomy in recent years.
So, we're not indifferent to what's happening in Cuba,
and we think that it's possible to have at least some effect on Cuban
society but none whatsoever on the Cuban government.
Q
I'm just trying to understand what U.S. policy is
then. If you're saying that the carrot won't work and the stick
hasn't worked, what do you figure will? or do you simply assume that
nothing will work?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: What the United States is
trying to do in Cuba is to lead by example in two respects. One, to
authorize substantial initiatives of support to the nongovernmental
sector along the lines that I've been talking about. And I think
this has had some effect. It's obviously inappropriate for us to
identify it too clearly given the nature of Cuban society, but it has
had an effect.
Secondly, through the kinds of political actions and
legislation we have taken, to demonstrate to the rest of the world
that the United States is absolutely convinced that isolation,
pressure on the Castro government is indispensable. We are not
responsible for the actions of other governments which fail to
subscribe to identical measures, but we have seen in Cuba and in
other parts of the world that sometimes the United States must stand
alone to express its views and follow its own policies.
Q Can I bring us back to the plane issue for one
moment? You've repeatedly referred to the Brothers to the Rescue
flights over Cuba as alleged. Are you now saying that those flights
did not occur?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: No, I'm not saying they did
not occur but because the fact and the circumstances of those flights
- 6 -
are part of the ongoing inquiry that is being conducted, I didn't
want to be any more precise than I was in my statement.
I
-- Mr. Basudo, the Director of Brothers to the
Rescue has said repeatedly to the Miami press that the United States
has not turned in all the tapes that you were able to tape while the
whole incident was occurring. Is it true that the United States did
not turn in all the tapes to this commission --
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: I'm not aware of any materials
that we have, for one reason or another, not made available.
Q
-- other investigations -- what other
investigations now undergoing?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: Well, this is the inquiry
that's being conducted with respect to the alleged violation of Cuban
airspace by the Brothers to the Rescue earlier, before the shootdown.
Q
Sir, relating to February 24th, does the report
mention -- third plane, the plane that was spotted by the survivor,
did actually enter the space, Cuban space or not? Are you aware if
they touched on that? And what was the result?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: I don't have that level of
detail, but my impression is the report is absolutely categorical
with regard to the fact that all three planes were in international
airspace.
Q
Were you the one who was briefed for the United
States? Did you represent the -- with the organization? I mean,
you're preempting the report, and you want us to know what's in it
basically. Were you the one --
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: No, I was not briefed, but our
officials were briefed by ICAO as, as I mentioned in my statement,
the Cuban officials were also briefed on the report.
Q
Could you repeat once again what's going to happen
now? The United States is going to take this report to the United
Nations and they're going to review it, and then after that what --
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: To the Security Council, and
we will have ideas at that time with regard to the resolution that we
think it would important for the Security Council to pass in some
form.
Q
Is there any evidence that Cuba was less than
forthcoming in providing information to the ICAO?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: My impression is that they
were much less than forthcoming. But I'll let the report speak for
itself.
Q Mr. Tarnoff, a question on another country. How
close is the State Department to signing off on the sale of F-16s to
Indonesia? And why is it doing it considering the -- (inaudible) --
illegal occupation of East Timor?
UNDER SECRETARY TARNOFF: I'd rather not comment on
issues other than the one that I'm addressing here today.
Thank you.
THE PRESS: Thank you.
END
3:22 P.M. EDT
AMBASSADOR MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
U.S. PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
MEMORIAL SERVICE -- BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE
MIAMI, FLORIDA
MARCH 2, 1996
On behalf of President Clinton, the First Lady and my own
family, I offer my condolences, my prayers and my support to the
martyrs of February 24, to their families and to their many, many
friends.
Archbishop Favarola and Bishop Roman and the other clergy
here have offered comfort to the spirit and soul to which I
cannot add, though as a mother and grandmother, I wish had words
that would comfort further still.
Last Saturday, Pablo' Morales, Carlos Costa, Mario de la
Pena, and Armando Alejandre -- became part of the hallowed list
of Americans killed because they loved freedom and because they
cared for their fellow human beings.
We who are gathered here, and in living rooms and kitchens
throughout this city, throughout this country, share this desire:
to bring those four men back, to see their fragile aircraft
circling this stadium, to watch as they are reunited with their
families.
That is our desire, but is beyond our power to transform
that dream into flesh and blood.
It is within our power to be sure that the world does not
misunderstand what happened off the coast of Florida -- in
international airspace -- seven days ago.
So, of this you may be sure:
When the Government of Fidel Castro tries -- as it has -- to
deny that it was murder, America will tell the truth.
When the Government of Fidel Castro tries -- as it has -- to
twist and distort the rules by which all civilized people must
live -- America will tell the truth.
And it is because we have told the truth that Castro has
been tried and convicted in the court of world opinion for his
outrageous and brutal crime.
There is anguish in our hearts this afternoon. But let us
not allow that anguish to harden our hearts.
America will protect its citizens in international waters
and international skies.
1
We will tighten sanctions against the Government of Cuba,
but without harming the people we want to help.
We will employ every diplomatic strategy we can devise to
encourage a transition to democracy in Cuba.
But we will deny to Castro the satisfaction of driving us to
lawlessness or violence.
When I was a little Czechoslovak girl, I watched in fear as
Communists loyal to Joseph Stalin seized control of
Czechoslovakia and drove my family from its home.
When I was a young woman, I watched in horror as Soviet
tanks crushed the democratic uprising known as "Prague Spring."
When I was an older woman, I watched in pride as a former
political prisoner and dissident, Vaclav Havel, was sworn in as
President.
It was his view, in his words, that:
"Communism is not defeated by military force, but by life,
by the human spirit, by conscience (and) by the resistance
of
human individuality (to) imprisonment within a
uniform ideology."
The mistake that tyrants make is to confuse the power to
control armies with the power to sway the human soul.
Castro could not sway the souls of the four brave men we
honor today.
He cannot still the trend towards democracy that is building
across the globe.
He cannot stand against the power of love and the love of
freedom that exists in this stadium right now.
Gathered here are mothers and fathers, daughters and sons,
citizens and students, men of the cloth -- and memories.
Let us, on this day of dedication, resolve to live our lives
in the spirit of those whose deaths brought us here.
May their example give new life to the ideals we cherish.
May their courage give us courage.
May they rest in peace.
And may they never be forgotten. Thank you and God Bless
You. And God Bless the United States of America.
1
July 1, 1996
Mr. and Mrs. Osvaldo Costa
17822 Northwest 81st Court
Miami, Florida 33015
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Costa:
Thank you for your letter and for sending the material about
your son. I was deeply moved by the pictures of Carlos, and I
want to share again my heartfelt condolences for those lost in
the tragic shootdown by the Cuban government.
Throughout my Administration, the United States has sought
a peaceful transition to freedom and democracy in Cuba. To
accomplish this, we have strictly enforced a comprehensive eco-
nomic embargo that presses the Cuban regime to end human rights
abuses and adopt democratic reforms. Unfortunately, those who
would seek to hinder this process resorted to violence.
In response to Cuba's egregious violation of international
law and to ensure that Cuba will abide by its obligation to respect
civilian aircraft, I have, as you know, taken the following steps:
Signed into law the Helms-Burton Cuba legislation,
which will enhance the effectiveness of the present
embargo in a way that advances the cause of democracy
in that country;
Restricted the movement of Cuban diplomats in the
United States and tightened the criteria for issuing
visas to employees of the Cuban government;
Pledged increased support for Radio Marti in order
to overcome radiowave jamming by Cuba; and
Indefinitely suspended all commercial charter flights
to Cuba.
It is my hope that these steps will serve our goal of
accelerating the arrival of democracy in Cuba. I have not ruled
out further steps, should they be required.
Again, Hillary and I send our deepest sympathies on your loss.
Sincerely,
BC/KMB/JFB/JRS/jfc-ckb-efr (Corres. #2916901)
BILL CLINTON
(5.costa.o)
CC: Susanna Valdez
121
DRAFT RESOLUTION ON ICAO REPORT
ECURITY COUNCIL
ECALLING THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY
COUNCIL ON 27 FEBRUARY 1996 STRONGLY DEPLORING THE SHOOTING DOWN
THE CUBAN AIR FORCE OF TWO CIVIL AIRCRAFT ON 24 FEBRUARY 1996,
HICH RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF FOUR PERSONS,
ECALLING THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE
INTERNATIONAL CIVILIAN AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO) ON 6 MARCH
.996 WHICH STRONGLY DEPLORED THE SHOOTDOWN OF THESE TWO CIVIL
AIRCRAFT AND WHICH DIRECTED THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF ICAO TO
INITIATE AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION OF THIS INCIDENT IN ITS
INTIRELY AND TO REPORT ON THAT INVESTIGATION,
OTING THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF ICAO ON 27 JUNE
.996,
ELCOMING THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION, TRANSMITTED TO THE
COUNCIL BY ICAO ON 1 JULY 1996, REGARDING THE SHOOTDOWN OF CIVIL
AIRCRAFT N2456S AND N5485S, AND NOTING IN PARTICULAR THE
CONCLUSIONS OF THE REPORT:
THAT N2456S WAS SHOT DOWN 9 NAUTICAL MILES OUTSIDE CUBAN
E
ORIAL AIRSPACE AND N5485S WAS SHOT DOWN APPROXIMATELY 10
IA
AL MILES OUTSIDE CUBAN TERRITORIAL AIRSPACE,
THAT MEANS OTHER THAN INTERCEPTION WERE AVAILABLE TO CUBA,
SUCH AS RADIO COMMUNICATION, BUT HAD NOT BEEN UTILIZED,
THAT DURING THE INTERCEPTIONS, NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO DIRECT
12456S AND N5485S BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF NATIONAL AIRSPACE,
GUIDE THEM AWAY FROM A PROHIBITED, RESTRICTED OR DANGER AREA OR
INSTRUCT THEM TO EFFECT A LANDING AT A DESIGNATED AERODROME, AND,
THAT IN EXECUTING THE INTERCEPTION, THE STANDARD PROCEDURES
OR MANEUVERING AND SIGNALS BY THE MILITARY INTERCEPTOR AIRCRAFT,
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ICAO PROVISIONS AND AS PUBLISHED IN AIP CUBA,
ERE NOT FOLLOWED,
REAFFIRMING THAT THE USE OF WEAPONS AGAINST CIVIL AIRCRAFT IN
"LIGHT IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH ELEMENTARY CONSIDERATION OF HUMANITY
AND NORMS GOVERNING INTERNATIONAL BEHAVIOR AND WITH THE RULES AND
STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ENSHRINED IN THE CHICAGO
CONVENTION AND ITS ANNEXES;
1. ENDORSES THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE ICAO REPORT;
2. AFFIRMS THE PRINCIPLE THAT STATES MUST REFRAIN FROM THE USE OF
NEAPONS AGAINST CIVIL AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT AND THAT, WHEN
INTERCEPTING CIVIL AIRCRAFT, THE LIVES OF PERSONS ON BOARD AND
THE
ETY OF THE AIRCRAFT MUST NOT BE ENDANGERED;
-2-
DEMNS THE USE OF WEAPONS AGAINST CIVIL AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT
BEING INCOMPATIBLE WITH ELEMENTARY CONSIDERATIONS OF HUMANITY,
HE RULES OF CUSTOMARY INTERNATIONAL LAW AS CODIFIED IN ARTICLE 3
IS OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION, AND THE
TANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES SET OUT IN THE ANNEXES OF THE
ONVENTION, AND STRONGLY DEPLORES THE ACTIONS OF CUBA ON 24
EBRUARY 1996 IN THIS REGARD;
STRESSES THAT THE FEBRUARY 24 SHOOTDOWN CONFLICTED WITH THE
CAO PRINCIPLE THAT INTERCEPTION OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT SHOULD BE
NDERTAKEN ONLY AS A LAST RESORT;
EXPRESSES DEEP REGRET OVER THE LOSS OF FOUR LIVES AND OFFERS
TS DEEP SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILIES OF THE
ICTIMS OF THIS TRAGIC EVENT;
CALLS ON ALL PARTIES TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE
ULES AND STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES SET OUT IN THE
HICAGO CONVENTION AND ITS ANNEXES, AND;
URGES ALL STATES WHICH HAVE NOT YET DONE SO TO RATIFY AS SOON
S POSSIBLE ARTICLE 3 BIS OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL
IVIL AVIATION, AND TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
RTICLE PENDING ITS ENTRY INTO FORCE; AND,
DES TO REMAIN SEIZED OF THE MATTER AND CONSIDER FOR
PPROPRIATE ACTION ANY FURTHER VIOLATION OF THE RULES AND
TANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ENSHRINED IN THE CHICAGO
ONVENTION AND ITS ANNEXES.
OLSEC 34462
MEMORANDUM TO ALEXIS HERMAN
FROM:
SUZANNA VALDEZ
RE:
SATURDAY'S CUBAN-AMERICAN EVENTS
The following is a description of Saturday's events:
ANBASSADOR ALBRIGHT VISIT
Ambassador met for lunch with Core group and had an
extremely positive meeting where she re-emphasized her
support for the Cuban-American community.
Garnered very positive media coverage in the local Miami
media. Her speech at the Orange Bowl memorial mass was a
huge success, receiving a standing ovation, and setting the
tone for our consequent public outreach into the community.
FLOTILLA/FLYOVER DEMONSTRATION
Inclement weather derailed Saturday's demonstrations,
causing the flotilla to turn back while still 24 miles from
its destination. The air demonstration take-off was delayed
by the weather and once in flight had to turn back early.
ORANGE BOWL MASS
Turnout was better than expected, with approximately 40,000
in attendance despite the harsh weather.
Ambassador Albright was warmly received while her remarks
were enthusiastically received with a standing ovation.
MEDIA
White House monitoring team translated the Ambassador's
speech into Spanish and then sent it out to local radio
stations and newspapers in both Miami and New Jersey.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
003. list
re: Contacts from Dade County [Personally Identifiable Information]
04/27/1996
b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
Suzanna Valdez
OA/Box Number: 9445
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba File 1996 [binder] [1]
2016-0920-F
jm1916
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRAJ
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
APR-27-96 SAT 11:08 BIRD ROAD
P.02
Wirta
92345W 9234 SW
Maggi Kuly
Terrace
[003]
305 662 1222
miami IFC
(in) 305 61 0301
33174
DADE County
RICARDO MENDEZ
SS
MIAMI AVIATXN Dept. Dinector of facilite
(b)(6)
DOB
BROTHER
MIRTA MENDEZ
SS
Ocean Bunk Bank Officer
(b)(6)
DOB
ASSISTANT President
EDILFA PEREZ >W 3335
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
DADE County Couls
senior Justice Support administrate
MAGGIE KHULY
(305)661-0301
SS
(b)(6)
Ancheitict kholy And Ass.
DOB
MARLENE V. ALEJANDRE 305-666-9375 661-4611
SS
PATHOLOGY Dept. SOUTH Minmi Hospital
DOB
(b)(6)
MARLENE ALEJANDRE
SS
Student. - University OF Florida
DOB
(b)(6)
(305) 237-7409 Dropped semester (205) due 661 2145
ANA CIERESZKO
Director Int'l deadyship Development Cornect for ran
elected
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
MIAMI- Dade Com Coll. Professor
Wolfsm. bradall Downtown
RAQUEL PEREZ
SS
(BOS) 261-0146 264-0974
DOB
(b)(6)
cousin of Manio de Penn
ESTER ROSAL
305-945-7534 OR 220-2483
SS
DOB
(b)(6)
Grund mother of Marie de la Fena
0
661- 2145
-all address,
to send was name
want justice expededetive
want to know POIUS supports us.
11
11 Shon 11 what kind of People they are
03/21/96
16:37
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
001
TELEFAX MESSAGE
U.S. INFORMATION AGENCY
301 4TH ST., SW - ROOM 255
WASHINGTON, DC 20547
PHONE (202/619-5217)
FAX (202/205-0792)
FROM:
LULA RODRIGUEZ, DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
DATE: 3/21/96
TO:
Suzanna
SUBJECT:
PAGE #1 OF 3
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
002
03/21/96
16:37
P02
03-21-96 04:30 PM FROM SEN BOB GRAHAM
BOB GRAHAM
FLORIDA
Hnited States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20810-0903
UNITED STATES MUST ADOPT FALLEN PILOTS' MISSION
old dictators never die, but neither do they always fade
away. For nearly forty years, Fidel Castro has brazenly and
repeatedly violated the human rights of the Cuban people. And in
recent months, Castro's increased harrasement of independent
journalists and political dissidents proved that he was unlikely
to change his ways anytime soon.
But on February 24, Castro took his campaign of terror one
step further. That day, the bearded dictator ordered the murder
of four brave pilots who were conducting a humanitarian mission
in international airspace. These men represented Brothers to the
Rescue, & non-violent, humanitarian organization that assists
Cuban rafters fleeing Castro's harsh rule.
In the weeks following the tragedy, we have fought hard to
punish the Castro regime for its continued brutality. As an
original co-sponsor of the Helms-Burton bill, I was pleased that
both the Senate and the House of Representatives moved 50 quickly
to pass it into law.
This law has a double-sided goal: to tighten the economic
embargo around Castro's neck, while at the same time extending
the hand of human rights and freedom to the Cuban people.
But enacting laws is not enough. If we are truly to speed
the day when Cuba is free, we must ensure that the spirit of
those fallen pilots lives on.
Their mission must become ours.
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with some of the
family members and friends of the lost pilots. One of them
recounted a story about Mario De La Pena.
Last Christmas Eve, Mario was returning from & mission when
he spotted a man stranded in the water. The thought of someone
trapped in the Straits of Florida during Christmas haunted him.
Even though the man was not a Cuban rafter, Mario woke up early
the next morning and flew back to rescue the stranded boater.
Like Mario, the United States must continue to support
people-to-people humanitarian efforts to free Cubs. We must
maintain our financial committment to non-governmental
organizations working to encourage democracy in cuba.
1
44 West Flagier Street, Bulter 1715, Miami, Florida 38130
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
003
03/21/96
16:38
P03
03-21-96
04:30
PM
FROM SEN BOB GRAHAM
Armando Alejandre, who also lost his life on February 24,
embodied Brothers to the Resoue's determination to create
awareness about Castro's atrocities. Armando didn't just look for
rafters. He carried food and supplies to Cuban refugees stranded
in the Bahamas. And he never passed on an opportunity to educate
others about Fidel Castro's hersh rule.
Like Armando, we must doggedly pursue efforts to build
international sympathy for the enslaved people of Cuba,
especially among our Latin American trading partners.
Brothers to the Resoue pilots regularly take enormous risks.
Another one of last weekend's victims, Carlos Costa, refused to
allow fear of risks to overcome his senee of mission.
Carlos' sister tells me that he was terrified of the small
Cessna he flew. The winds in the Straits of Florida violently
buffeted his plane and frightened Carlos and his passengers. Yet
he volunteered to fly his resoue plane every week. He flow on
Christmas and other holidays.
We must also be willing to take rieks to hasten Castro's
Call from power. This may include standing up to come of our
closest allies. But American policy toward Cuba is not about
popularity or appearances. It is about liberating the Cuban
people. I am willing to risk some nations' wrath to bring about
that critical goal.
Most importantly, Brothers to the Rescue has always pursued
its goals in a determined, focused manner. This was espacially
Morales. true of those pilots who themselves once were rafters, like Pablo
We, too, must maintain a clear understanding of what our
objectives are: to support the legitimate aspirations of the
Cuban people to replace Fidel Castro with a democratic, human
rights-friendly government.
The weekend after the tragedy, the remaining Brothers made
another trip to the Straite of Florida. This time, their goal was
not to resoue but to memorialize those four fallen pilots.
Like the slain pilots, the boats and planes dispatched on
this mission encountered tremendous obstacles. Mother Nature
greeted them with rough seas, black skies, and fierce winds.
But when they stopped to lay wreaths in memory of their
fallen colleagues, the black clouds disappeared. For a moment,
the sun shone down on the boats gathered below, as if to smile
upon their mission.
Brothers to the Rescue and its fallen pilots have been a
ray of light in the black clouds hovering over the Cuban people.
If we are to turn that ray of light into permanent sunshine, the
United States must salute their mission by making it our own.
8
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1996
MEETING WITH VICTIMS FAMILIES OF CUBA SHOOTDOWN
DATE:
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1996
LOCATION:
BILTMORE HOTEL
ROOM 1203
TIME:
4:50 pm
FROM:
TONY LAKE
ALEXIS HERMAN
SUZANNA VALDEZ
I.
PURPOSE
To show support for the families of victims that were shot
down February 24 by the Cuban Government.
II. BACKGROUND
This meeting was requested by Senator Graham to follow-up on
your introduction to the families at the signing of the
Helms-Burton legislation on March 12 in the White House.
The families are pursuing this meeting to stress that they
are decent, law abiding and hard working Americans who are
only seeking justice for the murders of their relatives.
The families will emphasize that three of the four victims
were U.S. citizens and that the U.S. never allows its own to
be murdered without repercussions. They strongly feel that
there has not been sufficient effort in pursuing justice for
their family members.
The families want the USG to issue indictments in U.S.
courts against those responsible for the shootdown. They
also will ask for the case to be brought before an
international tribunal. The issue of monetary compensation
for the families from frozen Cuban assets may also be
raised.
NOTE: Attorney General Janet Reno should not attend this
meeting. Her presence would highlight the legal issues the
families are pursuing. The families may press for specifics
on the legal avenues which we are not ready to discuss.
III. PARTICIPANTS
(See attached list)
IV. PRESS PLAN
Closed press
V.
SEQUENCE
You enter, greet and take your seat.
Mr. Richard Mendez, group spokesman, will make brief
presentation.
You make brief comments.
You depart.
VI.
TALKING POINTS
NOTE: See NSC briefing memo for additional talking
points
Stress the administration's efforts and success,
through Congressman Menendez, in obtaining a U.S.
sponsored United Nations Human Rights Commission vote
condemning Cuba's shootdown of the planes and their
crackdown on the Concilio (Cone-See-lio) Cubano, a
broad coalition of Cuban human rights organizations.
Highlight UN Ambassador Madaleine Albright's efforts in
the UN on behalf of the victims. Ambassador Albright
is a very popular and supportive figure for the
families.
NOTE: The families are hosting a fundraising dinner
for her on May 11, with proceeds going to a scholarship
fund in the names of the victims.
FAMILY'S REPRESENTATIVE
RELATION
VICTIM
Mr. Richard Mendez
Brother-in-law
Carlos Costa
Mrs. Mirta Mendez
Sister
Age: 29
U.S. Citizen
Ms. Edilfa Perez
Cousin
Pablo Morales
Age: 29
Cuban Born
U.S. resident
Mrs. Marlene Alejandre
Wife
Armando Alejandre
Ms. Marlene V. Alejandre
Daughter
Age: 45
Ms. Ana Ciereszko
Sister
U.S. Citizen
Ms. Maggie Khuly
Sister
Vietnam Veteran
Ms. Raquel Perez
Cousin
Mario de la Pena
Ms. Ester Rosal
Grandmother
Age: 24
U.S. Citizen
MARIO DE LA PENA
PABLO MORALES
Mario de la Peña, 24, was born in New Jersey,
Pabio Morales, 29, fled Cuba on a raft in 1992. A
the son of Cuban immigrants, and grew up in Miami.
tiny dot on the open sea, his boat was spotted by a
The plight of Cuban rafters was his personal cause.
Brothers to the Rescue crew. He later joined the
Studying to get his commercial pilot's license
group, watching for other rafters while he trained for
and working as an intern for American Airlines, he
his pilot's license.
joined some of the Brothers' riskier missions: He
He left family back in Cuba - a brother, sister,
was on the first Brothers plane to fly over Havana
parents and a niece - and he was often homesick.
last year, dropping filers.
His girifriend, Hady Hernandez, rushed to Ope-
"He said he wouldn't go in there again," said his
locka Airport after hearing the news and was sob-
cousin, Raquel Perez. "He didn't say why."
bing openly, her faced buried in her hands.
De la Peña lived with his parents in South Miami.
Morales became close to the Hernandez family,
His father, Mario, is the church accountant at St.
which ran the business where he worked. He spent
Agatha Catholic Church in West Dade. His mother,
more time at El Sembrador Products than in his stu-
Miriam, joins his father to counsel young couples at
dio apartment in Hialeah, where he lived alone. He
the church.
has an aunt and cousin here.
Part of a big family, de la Peña has been a source
Hernandez had studied topography at a univer-
of pride and worry for his work with Brothers to the
sity in Cuba, but became angry with Castro's gov-
Rescue. He had the heart of a volunteer and was the
ernment. "It was all a farce," he once said.
first to come to the aid of family members after Hur-
The young Cuban rafter was featured in a 1994
ricane Andrew.
Herald story after he chose to join the pilots' group
Eduardo Dominquez, church member and friend
that had spotted him in his flight from the island. He
of the family for 10 years, mourned the news of the
was described as a religious man.
shootdown.
"He wanted to be a part of them. to do whatever
"When you know the family, you always feel it
he could." said Yoice Hernandez, Hady's sister-in-
more. It is very sad," he said. "It was inhumane. It is
law. "They saved his life."
another tragedy for the Cuban community."
NOTEAR
ARMANDO ALEJANDRE JR.
CARLOS COSTA
Armando Alejandre Jr. was no stranger to the
Carlos Costa, 29, was born in the United States
Cuban protest movement.
and grew up in Miami. He graduated from Pace High
Although not a pilot, he was active in Brothers to
School in 1984, and from Embry-Riddle seronauti-
the Rescue and had gone on several trips to take
cal college in Daytona Beach. He was a human
food and supplies to Cuban refugees stranded in
resources administrator at Miami International Air-
the Bahamas. He also wrote articles about Cuba for
port, where he taught employment training classes
El Nuevo Herald and Diario las Americas.
among other duties.
Alejandre. 45. was a militant presence in Cuban
Costa had been active in Brothers to the Rescue
protest groups. Last fall, he traveled to New York to
for more than three years. In addition to flying mis-
protest Fidel Castro's visit there. In February 1994,
sions, he answered phones and handled adminis-
he broke his leg and was arrested after trying to
trative duties for the volunteer group, scheduling
jump a fence at the Cuban Interests Section during
flights and even organizing picnics and fund-raisers.
a demonstration in Washington.
His commitment was such that he flew on holl-
: But his sisters said Alejandre was evolving from a
days, even Christmas.
militant person into one who began to believe in the
"It was his life, morning, noon and night," said
power of communication as a force of change.
Mirta Mendez, his older sister.
-
my think he would like to be remembered as a
Costa was single and lived with his parents
patriot," said Ana Alejandre Ciereszko, a sister.
Osvaldo and Mirta Costa in Northwest Dade. He
"He felt very strongly about the efforts of the Broth-
made time for his family, taking his sister's three
ers to the Rescue. He felt it was going to end the tyr-
children to baseball games and other events.
anny in Cuba. He has a sense of responsibility."
"He was the fun uncle," said nephew Michael,
Alejandre had worked as a construction manager
Mendez, 16.
for Dade County. most recently employed as a tran-
Costa was also close to his fellow pilots and vot-
sif cost estimator for the county's Department of
unteers.
Transportation. He was a Vietnam veteran and a
"He thought they really were his brothers." his
towering presence at six feet, seven inches tall.
sister said.
Alejandre has three older sisters: a wife, Marlene;
and an 18-year-old daughter, also named Marlene,
whols a freshmen at the University of Florida.
SHOOTDOWN BACKGROUND
On February 24, two civilian aircraft from the Brothers to the
Rescue (BTTR) organization were shot down by Cuban MiGs. The two
planes were in international airspace at the time of the downing.
Ironically, a third aircraft, flown by BTTR president Jose
Basulto had penetrated Cuban airspace at the time of the
shootdown but was not pursued by the Cuban fighters.
BTTR seemingly scheduled this mission to Cuba on February 24 to
show solidarity with the "Concilio Cubano" who was to have held
its first conference in Havana the same day. The meeting
however, was not allowed to take place by the Cuban government.
Concilio Cubano is an organization consisting of 144 different
Human Rights and dissident groups that was formed in October of
1995. There had been modest surprise in the international
community at Cuba's seemingly permissive stance towards the
organization. The permissive stance came to an end in January
1996 when Concilio made public its intention of meeting in
February 24. This declaration was too much for the Cuban
government to take and they responded with a traditional Castro
crackdown. The crackdown consisted of mass arrest and detention
of dissidents and harassment of their families. The dissidents
were kept incommunicado for extended periods of time. Several
Concilio members received extended prison sentences, while others
are still being detained without charges.
The European Union EU, who simultaneously had been looking to
support the Cuban government and their fledgling economic reforms
and the Concilio Cubano. The EU felt particularly embarrassed by
the crackdown because they had publicly stated their support for
Concilio and had even stated that the organization was now "under
it's wings", implying that they now protected the organization.
It is believed that the embarrassment over the crackdown led to
the swift and unanimous support for the U.S. sponsored UN
resolution condemning the shootdown. This action stung and
surprised the Castro regime, for they felt that the two issues
were separate and distinct and felt that Cuba's relation with the
EU had progressed significantly, notwithstanding the Concilio
crackdown.
TALKING POINTS
o
I know that the shootdown occurred over international
waters. It was a brutal and cowardly act, which reflects
the repressive nature of the Castro regime.
0
The administration continues to pursue this issue
vigorously. Aside from signing the Helms-Burton legislation
into law, which you attended, we recently sponsored a UN
resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Conference in
Geneva condemning Cuba's human rights record, including the shootdown.
We are awaiting the results of the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) investigation, which we feel
will come out strongly in favor of our side. Once we have
the results of this investigation, we will pursue other
measures.
NOTE: SHOULD THEY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION
TO PUSH FOR EITHER INDICTMENTS OF CUBANS OR TO BRING THE CASE TO
AN INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL.
The president has stated, and I strongly agree, that we will
pursue every avenue available to us, both domestically and
internationally. However, before we can support any
specific course of action, we must wait for the results of
the ICAO investigation.
MAR 02 '96 29PM
P.1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 1, 1996
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
President Clinton announced today that Madeleine K.
Albright, the United States Permanent Representative to the
United Nations, will represent him tomorrow at the Miami
community's memorial service to honor the victims of the February
24 attack on two U.S. civilian aircraft by the Government of
Cuba.
Ambassador Albright's untiring efforts on behalf of the
United States produced Monday's strong condemnation by the United
Nations Security Council of the Cuban Government's blatant
violation of international law. She will express directly to the
people of Miami and the Cuban American community the President's
deepest sympathies for the families of the victims and his firm
resolve to protect the lives of American citizens.
Ambassador Albright will speak at the Orange Bowl memorial
service, meet with the organizers of the memorial and with the
families of the victims, and explain to the people of Miami the
United States' response to the events of last Saturday.
The memorial service will take place at 5:30 p.m., March 2,
at the Orange Bowl.
# # #
03/01/30
21:44
NSC PRESS OFFC
002
PRESS STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
Last Saturday, in broad daylight, with premeditation, and without
warning, the Government of Cuba shot down two unarmed, civilian
aircraft off the coast of Florida. The victims, American
citizens and a resident of our country, were not the first, but
must be the last Americans to die at the hands of a reckless
dictatorship 90 miles from our shores.
This blatant violation of international law demanded a strong
response. At the instructions of President Clinton, I convened
an emergency session of the UN Security Council. One day later
the Council unanimously and strongly deplored the Cuban action.
This condemnation by the UN has been joined to many other
condemnations from around the world, making it clear that this is
not a conflict between the United States and Cuba, but an
indictment of the lawless behavior of the Cuban government by the
entire civilized world.
President Clinton also announced on Monday several unilateral
actions. He directed his advisers to seek a compromisc with the
Congress on the pending Helms/Burton legislation. Two days later
that compromise was achieved and a strong message will be sent to
Cuba from a bipartisan majority vote of the Congress and the
signature of President Clinton on this legislation to strengthen
the existing economic embargo of Cuba. This week the power of
Radio Marti was doubled and it will soon send its message of hope
and freedom on additional broadcast frequencies. Additional
restrictions on the movement of Cuban diplomats in the US and
their entry into the United States have been imposed. And we
have suspended all charter flights from the US to Cuba.
I am here today at the request of the President to honor the dead
and to offer his condolences to the families of the victims. We
will help them to seek justice for the crimes committed against
their loved ones. And I will join thousands of their friends and
neighbors at. a memorial service later today. We all pray that
today will be a day of peace and remembrance. But the President
has taken steps to ensure the safety of American lives and to
deter unlawful behavior by the Government of Cuba.
For three years our Administration has worked to encourage Cuba's
peaceful transition to democracy. Today the people of Cuba know
more than ever that we are at their side in their struggle for
freedom. We will continue every effort to hasten the day when
all Cubans live in a land of freedom and democracy.
Thank you.
9'd
2SS'ON
MIA A/P HILTON COMM
WATE:D
MAR. 2.1996
SANCHEZ STATEMENT
After corefully evaluating todays request by the White House to the Democracy
Movement, and having received a similar request yesterday by the families of the
four young mon killed by Castro's Migs on the 24th of February, the Democracy
Movement hereby announces that in light of the upcoming proceedings before the
U.N. Security Council regarding the ICAO report, and in order to preserve the best
possible conditions for a better chance to obtain a ruling of the U.N. Security
Council against Castro's regime, the Memorial Flotills will not enter Cuban
jurisdictional waters or airspace during the July 13th ceremonies
We give full assurances to the United States government, those concerned in the
International Community, and the relatives of the four young men killed in the
downing of the planes as well as to those who have been praying for our well being
and success both here and in our homeland, that we will abide by our commitment
set forth here and remain in International waters throughout the whole event.
Furthermore, we wish to recognize the goodw(i) and understanding shown by the
White House and the State Department in this process and in furthering the cause
for M free and independent Cuba, and their willingness to work with the non-violent
civil action movements to end totalitarian rule in Cuba.
We hope that the emerging partnership between the pro-Democracy movements
and the White House born of a mutual respect for the interests of the people of both
nations, could result in attracting the active solidarity of the International
Community to the freedom of the oppressed people of Cuba.
We expross our recognition and gratitude to all those involved in facilitating this new road
of mutual understanding. especially to Congressman Robert (Bob) Menendez without
whose assistance this would not have been possible.
-26 96 15:51 FROM: WHITE HOUSE
2024562983
TO:202 456 2930
PAGE 03
2/26/96 1:30 p.m.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
REMARKS ON THE CUBAN INCIDENT
96FEB 26
P2:
THE WHITE HOUSE
FEBRUARY 26, 1996
Two days ago, in broad daylight and without justification, Cuban military aircraft shot down two
civilian planes in international airspace. Search and rescue efforts by the Coast Guard, which
began immediately after we received news of this incident, have failed to find any of the four
individuals who were aboard the airplanes.
These small airplanes were unarmed. Cuban authorities knew that. They posed no credible threat
to Cuba's security. Although the group that operated the planes had entered Cuban airspace in
the past on other flights, there is no excuse for this attack. We must be clear: this shooting down
of civilian aircraft was a flagrant violation of international law. It is wrong, and the United States
will not tolerate it.
Saturday's attack is further evidence that Havana has become more desperate in its efforts to deny
freedom to the people of Cuba. Also on Saturday, the Cuban Council - a broad group that wants
to bring democracy to Cuba -- had planned a day of peaceful discussion and debate. Instead, in
the days leading up to this gathering, scores of activists were arrested and detained. Two already
have been sentenced to long terms in prison. They join roughly one thousand others in Cuban
jails because of their desire for freedom.
Now, the downing of these planes demands a firm response -- both by the United States and the
international community.
Last night, on my instructions, Ambassador Albright convened an emergency session of the UN
Security Council to condemn the Cuban action and present the case for sanctions on Cuba until it
agrees to abide by its obligations to respect civilian aircraft and compensates the families of the
victims. In the meantime, I am asking that Congress pass legislation that will provide immediate
compensation to the families out of Cuba's blocked assets in the United States.
Today, I am also ordering the following unilateral actions:
First, I will move promptly to reach agreement with Congress on the pending Helms-Burton Cuba
legislation so that it will enhance the effectiveness of the embargo in a way that advances the
cause of democracy in that country.
Second, 1 have ordered that Radio Marti expand the reach of its broadcasts into Cuba. All the
people of Cuba must learn the truth about the regime in Havana and the isolation it has earned
for itself through its contempt for basic human rights.
3-26 96 15:51 FROM:WHITE HOUSE
2024562983
TO:202 456 2930
PAGE: 04
2
Third, I am ordering that additional restrictions be put on travel in the U.S. by Cuban officials
who reside here and that visits by Cuban officials to our nation be further limited.
Finally, all charter air travel from the U.S. to Cuba will be suspended indefinitely.
In our time, a tide of democracy has swept the globe from the Philippines, exactly ten years
ago to Central and Eastern Europe to South Africa to Haiti and all but one nation in our
hemisphere. I will do everything in my power to see that this historic tide reaches the shores of
Cuba.
These deliberate actions are the right ones at this time. They respond to Havana in a way that
serves our goals of accelerating the arrival of democracy in Cuba. But I am not ruling out any
further steps in the future should they be required.
Saturday's attack was an appalling reminder of the nature of the Cuban regime. It is repressive,
violent and scornful of international law. Cuba must answer for its action.
###
were to
all people
participated
THE WHITE HOUSE
meeting
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 26, 1996
FACT SHEET ON CUBA
The President has directed his Administration to take the
following steps immediately in response to the Cuban Government's
blatant violation of international law:
Seek rapid international condemnation of Cuba's actions.
The European Union today strongly condemned the Cuban
shootdown.
The United States will seek United Nations Security
Council condemnation and press that sanctions be imposed
until Cuba provides compensation to the families of
victims and abides by international law.
The United States will seek condemnation of Cuba by the
International Civil Aviation Organization and other
relevant international bodies.
Move promptly to reach agreement with Congress on the pending
Helms-Burton Cuba legislation so that it will enhance the
effectiveness of the embargo in a way that advances the cause
of democracy in that country.
Request the Congress to pass legislation authorizing payment
of compensation to the families of victims out of Cuban
blocked accounts in New York.
Restrict the movement of Cuban diplomats in the U.S. and
tighten criteria for issuing visas to employees of the Cuban
government.
Increase support for Radio Marti to overcome jamming by Cuba.
Indefinitely suspend all commercial charter flights to Cuba.
# # #
FILE No. 392 02/26 '96 19:14 ID:MENENDEZ DC
PAGE 3
(2)
***
that cannot live by the rule of international law should not receive
Freezing United Nations dollars going to Cuba. "A country
monies from the United Nations that promotes the rule of
international law, " Menendez said.
and Cuba as well as all licenses for visits to Cuba.
*** Limit to $50 all money transfers between the United States
Section.
*** Revoke the visas of personnel from the Cuban Interests
States and Cuba.
*** Indefinitely halt all migration talks between the United
Increasing the transmission capabilities of TV Marti.
"We must make our message clear and unequivocal, " Menendez
concluded. "Aggression against innocent civilians will not be
dictatorship in the Western Hemisphere."
tolerated. Now is the time to bring an end to the last communist
*****
MEMORANDUM FOR
HAROLD ICKES
FROM:
ALEXIS HERMAN
SUZANNA VALDEZ
DATE:
FEBRUARY 26, 1996
SUBJECT:
CUBA BRIEFING
Background
The Cuban-American community has been restrained in their reaction to Saturday's shoot down
of the Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. The community has responded favorably to both the
President's and Secretary of State's statements on the incident. They are, however, expecting a
strong and decisive response from the administration. Today's proposed briefings offer a unique
opportunity to confirm our commitment to the Cuban-American community.
The purpose of this briefing is to consult with and inform the Cuban-American leadership in
Florida and New Jersey. The briefing is meant to convey the seriousness with which the
President is treating the incident and to allow for representatives of the Cuban-American
community to share their views and make recommendations for subsequent action.
Briefing Description
We have recommended two meetings on Monday targeting representatives of Cuban-American
community and Congressional members. The first meeting will include our core group supporters
with Alexis Herman and Harold Ickes at the White House. This meeting will include
Congressman Menendez and should provide a strong vehicle for validating our policy decisions.
The second meeting will take place at the State Department and will be for a larger group that
will include a cross-section of the Cuban American community, including Republican Cuban-
American Congressional members that have been critical of the administration's response. This
meeting is a general briefing designed to consult, inform and engage community leaders.
Although all the contacts have been made, given the urgency of the issue, the possible travel
difficulties -- due to short notice -- we will propose a contingency plan, should it be required.
MAR-21-1996 11:43 FROM OSD-RSA-IA
TO
*7#992024566682 P.01
Dear Jorge:
Thank you for taking the time to write and share with me your concerns
about the steps I have taken in dealing with the downing of the Brothers
to the Rescue planes. I was concerned that you did not attend my meeting
with the Core Group, but I was told you were unable to make travel
arrangements.
I have asked the Core Group to continue to work together and be engaged
in this ongoing process of US-Cuba relations. While we may not agree on
every aspect of decisions that I have made in response to Cuba's actions, I
greatly value your friendship and counsel and hope that you continue
providing my administration with your views and insights. I have asked
Suzanna Valdez to contact you so you may convey any additional concerns.
I look forward to seeing you on my next trip to Miami.
OPTIONAL FORM 99 (7-90)
FAX TRANSMITTAL
# of pages
1
To SURANNA VALDEZ
From R. RUGA
Dept./Agency WHS -Riblic timism
Phone
703 697 9301
Fax #
Fax #
202-456-6218
NSN 7540-01-317-7368
5099-101
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Office of International Visitors
6/6/96 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20547
think press specifie being 1 the
the own to Gethough
Jund Value evoyet, same
3 MI the Lit, THE Ind 3
her they
A Testimonial to Ambassador
Albright by the Cuban Exiles
Saturday night, May 11th, as scheduled, a huge tes-
timonial dinner was offered in honor of Ambassador
Madeleine Albright, United States Representative at
the UN and, therefore, Representative at the Security
Council, to thank her for her identification with the
cause of Cuba's freedom. Of course, tribute was paid
there to the memory of the four young Cuban martyrs:
Armando Alejandre, Jr.; Carlos Costa; Mario de la
Peña, and Pablo Morales. Actually, the reason for this
testimonial dinner was the Ambassador's stand re-
garding this tragic slaying of these four men that
caused indignation throughout the civilized world.
Sixteen hundred persons attended this dinner with
patriotic devotion, with a lofty civic spirit and pro-
found human feelings proving, again, that the Cuban
exile knows how to rally around their fundamental
patriotic issues. More than three hundred could not
attend for lack of space. It is a fact that on March
3rd this exile organized a mammoth demonstration
attended by over sixty thousands persons who gath-
ered in the Orange Bowl Stadium to honor the four
martyrs and to reiterate their unyielding determina-
tion to continue fighting for Cuba. Ambassador Alb-
right was also present there and she gave an encour-
aging speech with touching expressions of sorrow
regarding the slaying of the four brave Cubans.
After covering the basic expenses for the banquet,
which were kept at a minimum, at least thirty-five
thousand dollars will be used to fund scholarships in
personal
memory of the four martyrs. Furtheremore, there will
be other contributions besides what was paid to attend
the banquet, beginning with a personal donation of
by
one thousand dollars from Ambassador Albright. No
better use could be given to that money than to fund
the scholarships in memory of the four slain heroes.
As was rightly mentioned by A. Armando Alejandre,
the merit for the organization of this extraordinary
banquet belongs to many individuals, to immediate
family members of the martyrs and others working
with the respected "Brothers to the Rescue" organi-
zation, as well as groups who supported this event
that upheld the moral values of this Cuban exile whose
cause is the object of the unyielding devotion and loy-
alty from the children of Martí's fatherland.
An exile that after thirty-seven years is able to bring
about the huge rally of March 3rd, and the extraor-
dinary banquet of May 11th, deserves liberty.
Pág. 4-A DIARIO LAS AMERICAS MARTES 14 DE MAYO DE 1996
DIARIO AMÉRICAS
(ISSN-0744-3234)
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Central Telefónica: 633-3341
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Martes 14 de Mayo de 1996
El Homenaje del Exilio Cubano
a la Embajadora Albright
Después de los gastos básicos mantenidos en nivel
mínimo, correspondientes al banquete, se usarán por
lo menos treinta y cinco mil dólares para otorgar becas
En la noche del sábado 11 de mayo, como estaba
que llevarán los nombres de estos cuatro mártires.
anunciado, se llevó a cabo un inmenso banquete de
Además, hay que contar con otras aportaciones eco-
reconocimiento por su identificación con la causa de
nómicas independientes de lo que se pagó por los cu-
a libertad de Cuba para la Embajadora Madeleine
biertos del banquete, comenzando por una donación
Albright, Representante de los Estados Unidos de
personal de mil dólares hecha por la Embajadora Al-
América en las Organización de las Naciones Unidas
bright. Ningún destino mejor para ese dinero que el
y, por consiguiente, Representante ante el Consejo
de otorgar esas becas en memoria de los cuatro ase-
de Seguridad. Por supuesto, allí se le rindió tributo
sinados.
a la memoria de esos cuatro mártires de la juventud
Como lo expresó acertadamente A. Armando Ale-
cubana: Armando Alejandre, hijo; Carlos Costa; Mario
jandre, el mérito de la organización de este magnífico
de la Peña y Pablo Morales. En realidad, la actitud
banquete corresponde a muchas personas, familiares
de la Embajadora que motivó este acto giró exclusi-
inmediatos de los mártires y otras vinculadas a la
vamente alrededor de esta tragedia que tanto ha in-
prestigiosa organización "Hermanos al Rescate", así
dignado al mundo civilizado.
como a grupos que ofrecieron su apoyo a este acon-
tecimiento que puso en alto los valores morales de
Mil seiscientas personas asistieron con devoción pa-
este exilio cubano cuya causa es objeto de devoción
triótica, con alto espíritu cívico y con profundo sen-
y lealtad inquebrantables de parte de los hijos de la
timiento humano a esa gran cena que demuestra, una
patria de Martí.
vez más, que el exilio cubano sabe unirse en torno a
los temas fundamentales de su patria. Más de tres-
Un exilio que, después de treinta y siete años de
cientas personas no pudieron adquirir sus boletos para
lucha es capaz de producir la gran concentración del
asistir, por falta de espacio. Ya el 3 de marzo, sin
3 de marzo y el magnífico banquete del 11 de mayo
lugar a dudas, ese exilio dio una demostración gi-
merece la libertad.
gantesca de más de sesenta mil personas que se reu-
nieron en el estadio del Orange Bowl para rendirles
homenaje a los cuatro mártires y para reiterar su
inquebrantable decisión de seguir luchando por Cuba.
Allí compareció también la Embajadora Albright y
pronunció un alentador discurso con conmovedoras
expresiones de dolor con respecto al asesinato de los
cuatro ilustres cubanos mencionados.
NOTICIAS
MIAMI Y FLORIDA
Miami, Florida, Martes 14 de Mayo de 1996
Más de 1,500 personas
en el homenaje a la
Embajadora Albright
Por ARIEL REMOS
tido el vil asesinato de los cuatro
Iriondo, que condujo el acto en to-
jóvenes, sino de mentir, "negando,
do momento a la altura de las cir-
"Hemos dado la evidencia a los
distorsionando y desnaturalizando
cunstancias.
investigadores de Naciones Uni-
los hechos". Castro mintió cuando
das", de que los aviones de Her-
dijo que los aviones de Hermanos
La presencia de los padres y fa-
manos al Rescate "y su valiosa
al Rescate estaban en el espacio
miliares de las cuatro víctimas, las
carga humana fueron agredidos
aéreo cubano; mintió cuando dijo
palabras de recordación de Mi-
ilegalmente y sin justificación al-
que Hermanos al Rescate era una
riam de la Peña, madre de Mario
guna...y el Presidente Clinton está
organización terrorista; y mintió
de la Peña, y Armando Alejandre,
determinado a que el gobierno de
cuando dijo que EE.UU. era cul-
padre, elevaron al máximo el nivel
Cuba tenga que aceptar la respon-
pable de la tragedia.
emotivo del acto, que revistió una
sabilidad por estos asesinatos", di-
imperturbable solemnidad.
jo la Embajadora de EE.UU. en
"En este hemisferio", expresó
la ONU, Madeleine Albright, en
después, "solo un país sigue sin ser
Miriam de la Peña hizo una belia
el banquete ofrecido el sábado en
libre", pero "a su gobierno se le está
semblanza de los cuatro mártires,
su honor por el exilio cubano, y
acabando el tiempo". Y criticó a
con un aplomo y una expresión con-
en memoria de los cuatro mártires
aquellos que aquí y alrededor del
tenida que no dejó de reflejar dolor,
del 24 de febrero, víctimas de la
mundo no ven en Castro la repre-
entereza y dignidad. Esas virtudes
tiranía de Fidel Castro: Armando
sión y el terror, 0 se dejan seducir
en ella y en las madres cubanas
Alejandre, hijo, Carlos costa, Pa-
por el atractivo de las "ganancias
que han sido las grandes heroínas
blo Morales y Mario de la Peña.
financieras".
en esta larga y dolorosa jornada,
fueron exaltadas en sus primeras
En comentario aparte de su
La embajadora recibió emocio-
palabras por Armando Alejandre,
discurso, la embajadora afirmó
nada el tributo de los exiliados cu-
uno de los principales factores en
que no se ha podido comprobar
banos, lo que reflejó en sus pala-
la organización del evento, al
que una voz que aparece en las
bras iniciales cuando dijo que
que concurrieron más de 1,500
grabaciones de un intercambio
"nunca me he sentido más en mi
personas.
con la torre de control de La Ha-
hogar como aquí en Miami esta
bana, en poder del gobierno, sea
noche porque la de ustedes es
Alejandre se refirió al abati-
la de Raul Castro, pero, no obs-
una comunidad que ama la liber-
miento de las dos avionetas de
tante, el gobierno norteamerica-
tad y aprecia sus valores".
Hermanos al Rescate y la muer-
no está convencido de que la or-
te de sus cuatro tripulantes, co-
den del derribamiento de los
El producto del banquete será
mo "uno de los crímenes que el
aviones de Hermanos al Rescate
invertido en un Fondo para cuatro
mundo, casi en su totalidad, ha
fue impartida desde los más al-
becas que llevarán los nombres de
condenado". Asimismo recordó
tos niveles del régimen.
Armando Alejandre, Mario de la
el acto del 2 de marzo en el Oran-
Peña, Pablo Morales y Carlos Cos-
ge Bowl donde se rindió tributo
Una vez más, Albright acusó a
ta, tal como anunció la flamante
a las cuatro víctimas y a la par-
la tiranía no sólo de haber come-
maestra de ceremonia, Silvia
ticipación protagónica en él de
la embajadora Albright, que lle-
vó al seno de las Naciones Uni-
das la condena que fue adoptada
por el organismo. "Con ella asu-
mimos una deuda y nuestra gra-
titud por su entereza y comba-
tividad, que estamos saldando
(Pasa a la Pág. 2B, Col. 3)
Más de
500
(Viene de la Pág. 1B)
con este homenaje, en que están
representadas todas las posicio-
nes decorosas y dignas de los
que luchan por una nueva Cuba
libre, independiente y sobera-
na", dijo Alejandre. Se refirió
también a la aprobación de la
Ley Helms-Burton, y al papel
que jugaron en ella y siguen ju-
gando en la lucha por Cuba, los
tres congresistas de origen cu-
bano, Bob Menéndez, Lincoln
Diaz-Balart e Ileana Ros-Lehti-
nen. Los tres estuvieron presen-
tes en el acto y fueron objeto de
cálidas demostraciones de afec-
to por parte del público.
En el acto fue exhibido un corto
metraje con el título "Searching
De izquierda a derecha, de pie, José Luis Ferré, Jorge Azze, Jr. , Alina Mayo-Azze, Eudoro Galindo
for Freedom" (Buscando Liber-
Anze, Dr. Horacio Aguirre, Dr.. Enrique Huertas y Dr. Áriel Remos. Sentadas, Helen Aguirre, de
tad), producido por Joe Serrano,
Ferré, Helen Craigie de Aguirre, Karen A. de Galindo y Alicia Remos. (Foto GORT.)
Amy Cardona- y Eduardo Pal-
mer, en que se pasa revista a los
tos que marcan estos 37 años de
más destacados acontecimien-
tragedia cubana, desde la asun-
ción del poder por la revolución
yer, Mark Falcoff, Irving Horo-
comunista, Girón, la crisis de los
witz, Vernon Walters, Antonio
cohetes, los vuelos de la libertad,
Jorge, Jaime Suchlicki, José Ba-
hasta los sucesos de la embajada
sulto, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Silvia
de Perú, Mariel, el fenómenos
Iriondo.
recurrente de los balseros, el
hundimiento del 13 de Marzo, el
La invocación estuvo a cargo
abatimiento de los aviones el 24
de dos figuras religiosas de gran
de febrero, y la ley Helms-Bur-
popularidad en el exilio: el Padre
ton. El documental está avalado
Emilio Vallina y el Reverendo
por los comentarios de Anna Ge-
Martín Añorga.
A. Armando Alejandre, decano del Colegio Nacional de Periodistas de Cuba en Exilio, y padre de Ar-
mando Alejandre, Jn, caído en el derribo de la avionetas, con la Embajadora de EE.UU. ante Naciones
Unidas, Madeleine Albright, Silvia Iriondo de M.A.R., y el representante federal, Bob Menéndez. (Foto
GORT.)
El congresista Lincoln Díaz-
Balart habla con Nancy Moraba,
Eva Barba y Nelson Morales, fa-
miliares de Pablo Morales, una
de las víctimas del derribo de
las avionetas. (Foto GORT.)
10A THE HERALD, MONDAY, MAY 13, 1996
ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
THE OPPENHEIMER REPORT
Owed fees may
But the U.S. demands are seen
weaken U.S.
by most developing countries as
grossly unfair. They' fear the
Security Council would become a
clout at U.N.
rich countries' club and argue
that the Economic and Social
Council has long been the U.N.
UNITED NATIONS: You
branch most geared to address
their needs.
don't pay, you don't play. Fighting
congressional moves to reduce
Latin American diplomats say
U.S. funding for the United
none of this will help U.S. diplo-
Nations, senior U.S. diplomats
mats in coming weeks, when the
are saying that the growing U.S.
Security Council is to debate
debt to the international body
Israel's attack on a U.N. camp in
will weaken America's weight in
Lebanon and Cuba's Feb. 24
upcoming U.N. debates over
downing of the two planes.
Israel's invasion of Lebanon and
Cuba's downing of two U.S.
civilian planes.
U.S. Ambassador Madeleine
Albright told Herald editors over
the weekend that the more than
$1 billion owed by the United
States has created "a serious
cash-flow problem" that is
undermining America's clout in
the world body at a key time.
"Every time I want something
now, it is harder and harder to
get because we are such large
debtors," Albright said. "When
the issue of the [Cuban] shoot-
down came out, I had to press
very hard.
Some of that had
to do with the fact that people
said, 'You don't pay, you don't
play.'
The Clinton administration is
proposing a five-year payback
plan, subject to U.N. reforms,
that it hopes will meet U.S. con-
gressional demands. Among the
proposed reforms: deep cuts in
the U.N. Economic and Social
Council, a development-focused
agency, and the addition of Ger-
many and Japan to the 15-mem-
ber Security Council.
To: "Young, Urenia"
From: Rodriguez, Lula
Subject: Fwd: IVs and the National Guard Bureau
Date: 6/5/96 Time: 4:03PM
Originated by: SHINKMAN @ WASHDC on 6/5/96 3:09PM
Forwarded by: LRODRIGU @ WASHDC on 6/5/96 4:03PM (CHANGED)
6/5/96 - 1520
Lula: Jack is going over to the Pentagon on June 20th (Thursday) at 2:00 p.m. to meet with General
Baca, head of the National Guard Bureau, to discuss cooperation between the Guard and USIA (E/V).
Would you be free to attend the meeting with Jack (and Wray Johnson)?
Thanks, Buck
Rainy, please schedule and get info from buck, thanks, Lula
Who Ordered the Slayings of
February 24th is Irrelevant
Any lengthy and hairsplitting discussion about who
gave the order to slay the crews of the two Brothers
to the Rescue small planes flying over free waters,
has no importance whatsoever. It is a well-known fact
that a measure of this nature, so monstrous, can not
be taken in a tyranny such as the one oppresing the
Cuban people unless it has the approval of the top
echelon.
In a way it is a total waste of time to discuss this
issue although in order to know the interiorities of
the way the regime works it could be helpful to know
how those instructions were given. Those orders cost
the Fidel Castro regime a steep price, to the point
S
iempre recordaremos
that they forced the President of the United States
González cuando nos V
to sign a law --the Helms-Burton-- that he would not
ma vez en el Aeropuerto
have signed were it not for this international crime.
rú, en 1967, regresando yo
At least that is what can be inferred from a number
de una Conferencia de la (
of opinions and positions taken by the White House
un viaje a la capital perual
regarding the bill.
José, Costa Rica, donde rad
de ALFALIT, la organizacio
The fight must go on so that the sacrifice of those
dora de la que era don Just
four young martyrs not be in vain. Let it serve to
dirigente.
spur a world-wide reaction against the tyranny that
has been oppressing the noble Cuban people for over
Este recuerdo se ha hech
thirty-seven years. The same could be said regarding
el bien ilustrado catálogo
any other people.
recientemente la organiz
LIT, donde aparece un re'
This Saturday a very important political event will
valioso hombre de Dios,
take place in Miami where a dinner of brotherhood
esposa Luisa, y la estrech:
and solidarity with the Cuban people will be held in
de Eulalia Cook González
honor of an outstanding American woman who rep-
labor benefactora de esta
resents this great nation, with the rank of Ambassador,
educativa.
in the United Nations Organization. Ambassador
Madeleine Albright earned the respect and admiration
Fue en 1942 cuando el
of thousands around the world when she confronted the
bach, iniciador del métod
representatives of the Castro tyranny in the U.N. Security
de la lectura que lo hizo f
Council to ask for the condemnation of the Havana re-
su innovador sistema en
gime. She was firm in her well-reasoned arguments about
pondió a la señora Cook
the crime. And afterwards, she came to Miami to arttend
mienzo a la primera can
a touching rally with more than sixty thousands Cubans
dora de Baguanos, Orier
at the Orange Bowl Stadium to honor the four patriots
murdered by Castro's Soviet MiGs.
El método de Lauback.
en muchos países del 0:
The details about who gave the order to murder those
marcha a millones de se
four brave Cubans: Armando Alejandre, Jr., Carlos
antes se hallaban poco
Costa, Pablo Morales and Mario de la Peña make no
lidos y marginados por
difference regarding the monstrosity involved. It was
escribir.
always known that such an order could only come
from those who have total control of the tyranny that
Lauback, quien era F
oppresses Cuba.
graduado en Princeto
SIV
BELLSOUTH
ramento cometido fraudes y haber mentido bajo ju- admitido
en el pasado.
al mentación de los fiscales, que se han arriesgado argu-
haber apoyarse en el ex banquero pues éste ha
que en realidad estaba destinado
Las acusaciones de Hale son la base de la
a a Susan McDougal un préstamo
de Arkansas, Clinton le presionó
Clinton
tribunal que hace 10 años, cuando
rrogaron durante 37 minutos.
an derensa que le inte-
Send address changes to: Diario Las Américas,
aceptarlo cuando nos estamos
P.O. Box 593177, Miami Fla. 33159
a cosas homogéneas o, al me
Suscripciones Fuera de Miami por Correo Ordinario:
jantes al punto de resultar en
Anual $111.00; Semestral $55.50; Trimestral $27.75
equivalentes.
Sábado 11 de Mayo de 1996
Podemos, por ejemplo, llamaì
rro sin distingos a nuestra masc
emplear esa misma denominac
dose de un gato, sin exponerno
error de interpretación. Pero e
No Importa Quién Haya Ordenado
caso cuando las cosas en cuest
de semejarse, porque ya entonc
el Asesinato del 24 de Febrero
de ser incongruentes nos esta
niendo a sufrir sus peligrosas
cias. Eso ocurre con la noción
Cualquier discusión bizantina --por decirlo así-- en
nidad de la que se deriva el (
torno a quién dio la orden de asesinar a los cuatro
de hispano, tan en uso entre no
tripulantes de las dos avionetas de Hermanos al Res-
cate en espacio aéreo libre, no tiene ninguna tras-
Podemos dar por seguro que
cendencia fundamental. Ya se sabe que una medida
tásemos a quienes los emplean
de semejante naturaleza, tan monstruosa, no se puede
den por dichos términos habría
tomar dentro de un tipo de tiranía como la que sufre
cibir las más diversas respuest
el pueblo cubano si no es de acuerdo con la jerarquía
gran mayoría equivocadas. E
máxima de esa tiranía.
por decir al respecto que el p
los mismos, el de hispanidad.
En cierto modo es una pérdida absoluta de tiempo
definirse, sencillamente porque
discutir sobre este tema aunque, para los fines de
plica limitar y se trata de un CO
conocer interioridades del funcionamiento del régi-
alto que escapa a toda posibili-
men, puede ser útil saber cómo se tramitaron seme-
cerrarlo en la estrecha cápsula
jante instrucciones que tan caras le han costado al
una definición.
régimen de Fidel Castro, hasta el extremo de obligar
al Presidente de los Estados Unidos de América a
Muchos, sin embargo, han si
firmar una ley --la Helms-Burton-- que de no haber
tentos y los más de ellos llegar
sido por este crimen internacional no la habría fir-
clusión de que la hispanidad C
mado. Por lo menos eso se deduce de una serie de
un conjunto de valores cultural
opiniones y actitudes de la Casa Blanca con respecto
tinta índole que concurren en lo
a esa ley.
de estirpe española, contribuyen
na medida a identificarlos. De
Hay que luchar para que el sacrificio de esos cuatro
valores el del idioma de uso cor
jóvenes que han alcanzado la categoría de mártires
ñala como el más importante, I
no sea en vano. Que sirva para estimular la reacción
para muchos baste y sobra qu
mundial contra esa tiranía que lleva más de treinta y
hable español como lengua ma
siete años sojuzgando a un pueblo noble como el cubano.
calificarlo de hispano.
Y lo mismo podría decirse de cualquier otro pueblo.
Este sábado se llevará a cabo un acontecimiento de
gran trascendencia política en la ciudad de Miami,
cual es una cena de confraternidad humana y de so-
lidaridad con el pueblo cubano en la cual se le rendirá
homenaje a una mujer sobresaliente de la vida pública
estadounidense, la que representa a esta gran nación,
con la categoría de Embajadora, en la Organización
de las Naciones Unidas. La Embajadora Madeleine
Albright se ganó el respeto y la admiración de muchos
cientos de miles de personas del mundo cuando se
enfrentó a los representantes de la tiranía de Castro
en el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas
para pedir la condena al régimen de La Habana. Allí
fue enérgica y razonada al condenar el crimen co-
metido. Y después, vino a Miami para asistir a una
conmovedora concentración de más de sesenta mil
cubanos en el estadio Orange Bowl para rendirle tri-
buto a los cuatro patriotas asesinados por los aviones
de procedencia soviética de Fidel Castro.
Los detalles de quien dio la orden de asesinar a esos
cuatro valientes cubanos: Armando Alejandre, hijo,
Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales y Mario de la Peña no
significa cambio alguno en lo esencial de la mons-
truosidad cometida. Siempre se supo que esa orden
sólo podía emanar de quienes tienen el control abso-
luto de la tiranía que oprime a Cuba.
Who Ordered the Slavings of
996
La libertad nunca
se puede tomar en vano
Por la Embajadora Madeleine K. Albright
Este discurso de la Embajadora Madelei-
un país libre.
Es por eso que nos enriquecemos todos cuan-
e K. Albright, Representante Permanente
do una sociedad se libera de la represión hacia
e os Estados Unidos en las Naciones Uni-
Finalmente, según La Habana, son los Es-
la luz de la libertad.
as, fue pronunciado en la cena ofrecida
tados Unidos, no Cuba, los culpables de que
n su honor por el exilio cubano y en me-
haya ocurrido esta tragedia. Pero eso no es
Por eso es que sí nos importa cuando el mun-
noria de los cuatro mártires del 24 de fe-
verdad.
do se opone a las purificaciones étnicas en
prero; en el hotel Radisson de Miami el 11
Croacia o Bosnia.
de mayo, 1996.
La verdad es lo que ya el mundo sabe y
nosotros no olvidaremos: estos aviones y su
Cuando terroristas del Medio Oriente son de-
Y
0 nací en Checoslovaquia, crecí en
valiosa carga humana fueron agredidos ile-
tenidos. Cuando es restaurada la democracia
Color do, vivo en Washington y tra-
galmente y sin justificación alguna.
en Haití y cuando se toman pasos hacia la
"Lajo en New York. Hay varios lu-
liberación de Cuba.
gares los cuales уд pudiera llamar mi ho-
Hemos dado la evidencia de esta verdad a
gar --sin embargo nunca me he sentido más
los investigadores de las Naciones Unidas y
Nadie debe sentirse solo en esta lucha. Por-
en mi hogar que aquí, en Miami esta noche.
estamos decididos a que el gobierno de Cuba
que es una lucha que ha incluido las energías
tenga que aceptar la responsabilidad por estos
y la valentía de la humanidad por varias ge-
Yo me siento como en mi hogar aquí porque
asesinatos. Fidel Castro no quiere hacer esto.
neraciones.
a de ustedes es una comunidad que ama la
A él le gustaría librarse de estas acusaciones
libertad y que aprecia sus valores, porque la
frente al mundo, por medio de la propaganda
Cuando yo era niña, mi padre trabajaba para
experiencia de nuestras propias vidas nos han
y manipulación que usa dentro de la Isla. Hace
un señor que se llamaba Jan Masaryuk, un
enseñado que la libertad nunca se debe tomar
mucho tiempo lo hubiera conseguido. pero
líder de las fuerzas democráticas en Checos-
en vano.
el mundo está cambiando.
lovaquia. Según fue creciendo el Stalinismo en
Europa Oriental, Mr. Masaryuk empezó a te-
Aquí esta noche está el pueblo, aquí están
La verdad acerca de las instituciones demo-
ner el brazo en cabestrillo. Un día le pregunté
las familias, en todo nuestro alrededor se siente
cráticas y los países de libre empresa está
a mi padre "¿qué le pasó en el brazo a tío
el espíritu que produjo seres como Pablo Mo-
surgiendo. Durante esta última década, casi
Jan?" y mi padre me contestó "nada le pasa
rales, Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña y Ar-
dos billones de personas, en cinco continentes,
en el brazo". Lo tiene sujetado de esa manera
mando Alejandre. Esta noche prometamos que
y en más de cinco docenas de países, han em-
para no tener que darle la mano a los comu-
sus nombres y sus vidas no serán olvidadas
prendido el camino hacia una economía y un
nistas".
nunca. En esta noche, dedicamos en su honor
sistema político mucho más abierto.
un fondo monetario para becas estudiantiles
Jan Masaryuk nunca le dio la mano al co-
para que los líderes del mañana puedan ejer-
Esta tendencia es Global. En este hemisferio,
munismo. Como resultado perdió su vida, pero
citar sus libertades y aspirar a una educación.
sólo un país sigue sin ser libre. Al gobierno
nunca perdió su dignidad, nunca perdió su ho-
de ese país se le está acabando el tiempo.
nor, y como los cuatro héroes que honramos
Es justo que hagamos esto, y yo misma como
¿Cómo puede suceder esto? El comunismo fue
esta noche, nunca será olvidado.
una estudiante que se educó por medio de las
creado para resolver los problemas que exis-
becas escolares, sé que sirven para abrir las
tían en el Siglo XIX, y así todo falló. Se volvió
Hace más de una generación, durante las
puertas de la oportunidad, que se vieran ce-
más prominente durante el siglo XX mientras
horas más obscuras de la guerra fría, mi padre
rradas de otra manera.
asesinó y encarceló a miles y millones de per-
escribió que a pesar de los tanques soviéticos,
sonas. Ahora, en el umbral del siglo XXI -es
los años de represión y las mentiras constan-
En una sociedad libre la educación es lo que
un vestigio, una antigüedad amado sólo por
tes": la chispa todavía existe. Uno no puede
hace que los ciudadanos puedan crecer y des-
aquellos que tienen miedo a enfrentarse al fu-
dudar que vuelva a estallar en llama y que
arrollarse en toda la capacidad que nos ha
turo. Una cárcel bienvenida sólo por los de-
la libertad vuelva a esta tierra que es tan esen-
dado Dios para pensar, cuestionar, crear y
magogos y los tirapiedras nerviosos que temen
cialmente humana..."
construir. La educación nos permite poder dis-
dejar atrás al pasado.
tinguir entre lo que es propaganda negativa
Lo que él escribió entonces acerca de Che-
y realidad. Entre la mentira y la verdad. Es
Como pudimos ver meses atrás, durante la
coslovaquia podría haber sido escrito ahora
por eso que la educación sirve como garantía
visita de Castro a New York, todavía quedan
mismo acerca de Cuba. ¿O es que, puede al-
y también como producto de la libertad.
aquellos en nuestro país y alrededor del mundo
guien dudar que la chispa de la libertad sigue
quienes ven en Castro no la realidad de su
estando dentro del alma del pueblo cubano?
Los estudiantes que reciban estas becas,
represión y terror, sino sólo lo que ellos quieren
¿O es que, puede alguien dudar que un día
aprenderán a indagar y a encontrar la verdad
ver. Para algunos, es el atractivo de ganancias
esa chispa estallará en llama y la libertad re-
no como en una dictadura, a temer y deformar
financieras. Para otros es el mito de que Castro
gresará a Cuba?
0 negar la verdad. A ellos, la verdad les servirá
es amigo del pobre. Y para aquellos que aún
de sendero a una vida llena de propósito.
se oponen a la democracia, es el desprecio
o es que, puede alguien dudar que el espíritu
que Castro siente por el escrutinio internacio-
de comunidad y compromiso que se siente aquí
Para un dictador, la verdad es una inconve-
nal de los derechos humanos más básicos.
esta noche es una fuerza encaminada hacia
niencia y una amenaza. Por eso es que los
el futuro -una fuerza constructiva motivada
dictadores tantas veces tratan de agarrar la
En la Comisión de los Derechos Humanos
no por el odio sino por la compasión- con fe
de las Naciones Unidas, Cuba se encuentra
no con violencia sino dentro de la ley. Esti-
verdad y amarrarla como a un perro, racio-
narla como al pan, o moldearla como al barro.,
hombro con hombro con Irán, Iraq y Corea
mulada por el poder de la verdad e inspirada
Pero la verdad no se doma fácilmente. Está
del Norte -un cuarteto de tiranos- defendiendo
por el ejemplo de Pablo Morales, Carlos Costa,
más allá del control de los tontos 0 los tiranos.
el argumento que ningún gobierno tiene el de-
Mario de la Peña y Armando Alejandre
Y, ciertamente mucho más allá del control de
ber de explicarle al mundo sus abusos de de-
rechos humanos. Es por esto que la lucha en
José Martí dijo "como los huesos al cuerpo
los que son tiranos y además tontos.
contra de la represión dentro de Cuba es tan
humano, el eje a la rueda, como el ala al pájaro
Examinemos la eventos del 24 de febrero:
importante. Porque esta es la lucha no de un
y el viento al ala, así es la libertad la esencia
solo pueblo, sino de todos los pueblos.
de la vida".
Desde ese día lleno de horror, el Gobierno
Cubano ha mentido, negado, distorsionado y
En juego está la integridad de la Declaración
Ningún rifle, ningún avión, ningún dictador
pervertido los hechos acerca del crimen que
Universal de los Derechos Humanos, la cual
puede crear una fuerza más poderosa. No ten-
cometieron.
dice que "la voluntad de los pueblos debe ser
gan dudas, la ola de la libertad está levan-
la base para la autoridad de su gobierno".
tándose. No tengan dudas, después de la obs-
curidad amanecerá una nueva era. No tengan
Según La Habana, el avión de Hermanos al
En juego están los principios que cimientan
dudas en el poder y la victoria de la verdad
Rescate estaba en espacio aéreo cubano pero
la Constitución de las Naciones Unidas rea-
No tengan dudas, que cuando yo me marche
no lo estaba.
firmando fe en "los derechos humanos fun-
de aquí esta noche y regrese a New York, al
Según La Habana, Hermanos al Rescate es
damentales y la dignidad y valor de las per-
Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas,
ustedes se mantendrán en mi mente y en mis
una organización terrorista, pero no lo es.
sonas humanas".
oraciones.
Según La Habana, los Estados Unidos habían
En juego está la habilidad de cada uno de
prometido evitar que los Hermanos al Rescate
nosotros de pensar y hablar libremente, de
Buenas noches. Muchas gracias y que Dio:
ser seres humanos y no robots, y de conducir
los bendiga.
volaran del todo, lo cual no es cierto, porque
en contraste con Cuba los Estados Unidos son
nuestras vidas diarias sin miedo.
debrights speech at event
Reproduction
attended by 1,600 Cuban americans
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
News Clips
Divider Title:
Inquiry
INFANT MAY S
on planes
a blow
to Castro
Panel: Attack not
in Cuban territory
By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS
Herald Staff Writer
WASHINGTON - A United
Nations inquiry into Cuba's
downing of two U.S. civilian air-
craft Feb. 24 backs up the U.S.
claim that the incident occurred
over international waters, and
not in Cuban territory.
Clinton administration and
congressional sources have told
The Herald this conclusion was
reached by the United Nations'
Montreal-based International
Civil Aviation Organization.
It will deliver its conclusions
separately to U.S. and Cuban
diplomats later this week. Cuban
diplomat Ricardo Alarcon is
scheduled to be in Montreal
today in preparation for the
informal briefing.
The report strikes a blow at the
government of Cuban President
Fidel Castro, which has argued
that it acted in defense of Cuba's
airspace. Four volunteer pilots of
Miami-based Brothers to the
Rescue, a Cuban exile group,
died when Cuban air force MiG
RENEWED HOPE: Paulette Lebed, who has leukemia, is
fighters downed the two
unarmed planes
Officials who have seen a pre-
liminary draft of the report char-
Cells could hel
acterized it as "favorable" to the
United States, which decried the
attack as a "blatant violation of
international law
and civi-
lized behavior
Rare blood-renewal proc
Bolstered by findings of the
ICAO - an arm of the United
By STEPHEN SMITH
when life-reple
Nations the Clinton adminis-
Herald Health Writer
reaped from the
tration plans to seek action from
Sometimes, one life begets
bag, down a tub
the U.N. Security Council,
another
ter
including "condemnation, repa-
That is what happened one spring
If it works
rations and a threat of future
day inside a bustling Miami hospital
before in Soutl
Security Council action following
suite, night melting lint dawn. a
than 250 times
[any repetition of thel incident,
swarm of doctors and nurses poised
have sayed her
one administration official said.
to celebrate the arrival of ne life, the
And the two
Undersecretary of State Peter
salvation of another TUNK
Paulette; will ba
Tarnoff is scheduled to discuss
It was a moment blessed with tre-
for our era, abc
the investigation at a press brief-
mendous promise, this delivery of
and old-fashion
Mariaine shed hom of
inn
ing today, omerats sald.
Both Cuba and the United
Jaime and Piedad - promise that
lings
will metamorphose into reality today
"I love her V
PLEASE SEE CUBA, 13A
Planes weren't over Cuban waters
when shot down, U.N. panel says
CUBA, FROM 1A
azine interview. "The U.S. would
Both Cuba and U.S
The International
not have tolerated it if Washing-
States had sought an investiga-
ton's airspace had been violated
tion by the ICAO to determine
Civil Aviation
by small airplanes."
which government had provided
an accurate account of events.
Organization will
U.S. criticized
The four Cuban Americans killed
deliver its conclusions
While concluding that the Feb.
in the incident were mourned as
24 attack was unjustified and
martyrs by many Miami exiles.
ICAO investigators traveled to
separately to U.S. and
illegal, the ICAO investigators
nevertheless criticize the United
Washington and Havana during
their three-month investigation.
Cuban diplomats
States for failing to rein in the
exile pilots.
The Clinton administration pro-
later this week.
"They hit us a little bit on the
vided detailed maps of the routes
fact that the U.S. should have
Associated Press
flown by the planes and even
done a little bit more a little bit
tapes of transmissions between
the Cuban coast at 10 a.m. the
earlier to keep them out of
letanyahm
Cuban MiG pilots and their
day after the attack.
Cuban airspace," one U.S. offi-
ople.'
ground control.
cial said.
Madeleine Albright, the
Doctored transcripts?
Until last month, the Clinton
scrappy U.S. ambassador to the
One congressional source
administration had been relue-
and we tvant to
United Nations. endeared herself
familiar with the ICAO report
tant to crack down on Basulto's
ie.". Asked if he
to much of Cuban Miami by pro-
said Wednesday that the Cuban
flights. Federal aviation officials
ith Arafat soon,
ducing a transcript of a gloating
government appears to have doc-
argued that a ban on Basulto's
thing out.
Cuban pilot as his MiG fired on
tored transcripts of conversa-
flights could be challenged as ille-
earnwhile,
one of the planes. Turning his
tions between the MiG pilots and
gal prior restraint, and President
striet court
carthy boast against him,
their ground control officer, who
Clinton's political handlers wor-
validrite the
Albright declared: "This isn't
issued the command to fire.
ried about clipping the wings of
month's ellection,
cojones, this is cowardice."
"It's one of the largest gaps
an exile hero.
pread fraud was
The Castro government, in
anybody's ever heard,' said the
In addition to the fallen air-
Prime Minister
contrast, waited more than a
source, who asked not to be iden-
men, another casualty of the Feb.
week to provide a substantiated
tified.
oss.
24 incident was the Clinton
ubmitted on the
account of its claim that the
Meanwhile, Cuban officials
administration's carrot-and-stick
contest election
planes had been shot down
said they had demonstrated great
policy toward Cuba. After the
little chance,
within 12 miles of Cuban shores,
restraint at not firing on previous
downing, Clinton adopted a
the internationally recognized
flights by Brothers to the Rescue.
tougher stance, signing the
ty check of 57
territorial limit.
Last July and twice in January,
embargo-tightening Helms-Bur-
g stations con-
On March 3, Havana released
Brothers to the Rescue founder
ton bill into law and dousing any
IS of thousands
a videotape - produced with
Jose Basulto and colleagues had
hope of rapprochement between
cast illegally but
haunting music and elaborate
flown over Havana. dropping
him and Castro.
by ellection
graphics - that presented its
anti-Castro leaflets.
On May 16, the Federal Avia-
hannel 2 TV
"proof" that the planes were shot
After the Jan. 13 flight, Castro
tion Administration - with a
inyahu of the
down in Cuban airspace. The
said he and his military chiefs
nod from the White House -
kud partity beat
tape showed a black leather flight
had concluded that such viola-
revoked Basulto's pilot's license.
29,457 votes,
bag, an English-language avia-
tions of Cuban sovereignty "can-
The ICAO plans to present its
nt of the: total.
tion chart and an electric battery
not happen again."
formal findings in a joint meet-
charger, all of which were said to
"It was so humiliating," the
ing with both Cuban and U.S.
have been collected 9.3 miles off
Cuban leader said later in a mag-
envoys next week.
eighty Eight
A high-seas
So they decided to hold
salute
the memorial at that spot -
45 miles from Cuba.
Democracia Movement
to the
leader Ramon Saul Sanchez
had known Alejandre for
fallen
years.
"During the ceremony,
when 1 looked down at the
water I wanted him and the
Flotilla battles
others to suddenly come up
and say: 'Here we are. We
aren't dead,' Sanchez
stormy weather
said.
Andres Garcia, 49, of the
By JOHN LANTIGUA
Cuban American Veteran's
And PHIL LONG
Association, also knew Ale-
Herald Staff Writers
jandre, the oldest of the
KEY WEST - The four
four dead. Alejendre was a
men had been at the bottom
Marine who did two tours
of 1,000 feet of water for a
of duty in Vietnam.
week, but their friends bat-
"Armando was a patriot
tied angry seas Saturday for
for both the United States
the chance to say one last
and for Cuba," Garcia said.
word to them.
"We salute him and these
Despite waves reported as
other fallen young men."
high as nine feet and wide-
Garcia was a passenger on
spread sea sickness, 28
the boat Sundowner II,
boats headed for the spot
which sank Sept. 2 in the
where four Cuban-Ameri-
second flotilla. Carlos
cans had been shot down.
Costa, another of the dead
Sleek, white fishing boats
fliers, was the first pilot to
shuddered as they slammed
arrive on the scene that day
into a wave, sending white
and drop life jackets and
froth 20 feet in the air. At
flares.
times, many of the smaller
"Carlos was born here,
boats in the flotilla became
but he had a dream to be in
invisible - lost in the
Cuba one day," Garcia said.
troughs between towering
"He didn't make it, but
waves. People in bright
because people like him
orange life jackets struggled
give their lives, others will
to keep their footing on
make it some day."
storm-tossed decks. Waves
Sanchez, who knew all the
crashed over the bows of
downed fliers, talked about
other boats, drenching peo-
their dreams.
ple in their yellow rain
"They weren't like other
slickers and multicolored
people who talked about the
ponchos.
hurts of the past. They
The boats left after dawn.
talked about their dreams.
Some had to turn back.
Those dreams have to do
But by I p.m., the remain-
with a new Cuba."
ing boats were. still short of
where fliers Armando Ale-
jandre Jr., Carlos Costa,
Pablo Morales and Mario
de le Pena went down a
week before.
preferred to toss her flowers from
the Malecon. Havana's fabled
seawall and the scene of such rit-
uals in the past. But "we've
received indirect threats" against
drawing too much attention. she
said.
Since the news of Pablo
Morales' death, family members
In Cuba,
have sequestered themselves in
their ramshackle home in the
Luyano neighborhood.
They have stopped listening to
pilot gets
the government-sanctioned
news, relying instead on phone
calls from Miami to inform
a salute
themselves.
"I don't want to hear the news.
All they talk about is 'terrorism'
and 'piracy,' and I know my
Family stages
brother was not involved in
that." Morales said. "This is a
crime that cannot remain unpun-
discreet rites
ished."
He sought a better life
By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS
Morales said her brother was
Herald Staff Writer
just another Cuban who sought a
HAVANA It is a hard thing
better life in the United States. In
to watch an old woman weep.
August 1992, he floated off in a
Eva Librada Barbos, 71, sat
makeshift raft for Florida. He
quietly in a darkened room Sat-
was rescued at sea by Brothers to
urday morning listening to her
the Rescue, who spotted him
children recount how they had
from a plane much like the craft
commemorated the death of her
shot down last Saturday.
son. Brothers to the Rescue pilot
"Brothers to the Rescue saved
Pablo Morales. killed by Cuban
his life." his sister said. "He
fighter pilots last week.
started to work with them out of
Her voice was weak, so she
gratitude."
only spoke in whispers and hand
Pablo Morales, 29, also took a
signs. leaving it to the children to
,L
job as a driver and salesman for a
vent their anguish and outrage,
refrigerator repair firm in
their fears for their livelihood in
Miami. Instantly, he became the
Cuba and their desperate hope to
principal provider for his family
get to the United States.
here on the island.
Nancy Morales, the 33-year-
Nancy Morales, a single
old sister of the slain man, took
mother with a 12-year-old son,
over. Her pants still damp from
said the family's economic situa-
wading into the sea with two
tion is precarious. She hasn't had
bunches of flowers early Satur-
work in over a month. Her other
day morning, the onetime hair-
brother draws a meager salary in
dresser and secretary said her
the Merchant Marine.
family - in its own small way -
They feel exposed.
gave its own echo to the U.S. flo-
U.S. officials are reviewing
tilla.
their petition to immigrate.
At 9:45 a.m., the family rode to
Their closest U.S. relative. a
one of Havana's eastern beaches,
cousin. Rafael Morales, has
popularly known as Playa del
pledged to help them get on their
Chivo, in front of the Naval Hos-
feet in Miami.
pital.
Morales said the family's last
As dozens of Cubans watched
contact with her brother was Feb.
from rooftop terraces, the family.
22. one day before the incident.
solemnly approached the water.
He called to say he was planning
Nancy Morales carried two gar-
to take surplus toys to refugees in
lands of pink buds.
Nassau with Brothers to the Res-
Wading into the sea
cue.
After that, the calls were all bad
She waded into the sea, clutch-
news.
ing a tiny tissue-paper Bible, then
Eva Librada Barbos, a
recited the 23rd Psalm, long ago
shrunken figure in black, wants
committed. to memory by all
to say something. She crosses one
those in their devout Baptist
withered wrist with another, and
houschold. "The Lord is my
looks imploringly. Why wasn't
shepherd
her son merely forced down and
With so many eyes upon her,
taken prisoner?
Morales said her modest com-
Because they're assassins.
memoration of a beloved youn-
criminals." her daughter shot
ger brother was the best she could
back. "There's no other word to
do.
describe it."
"I achieved mv goal. I deliv-
By MANNY GARCIA
And GAIL EPSTEIN
Herald Staff Writers
Enveloped in the wild
applause of more than 60,000
supporters - most of them
total strangers - Hady Her-
nandez shook with emotion as
she remembered Pablo
Morales, a week ago simply her
boyfriend, but on Saturday
night much more.
He was one of the four fallen
pilots whose deaths inspired a
frenzied display of solidarity in
the Orange Bowl.
"I can't even begin to express
how Pablo would feel on this
day," Hernandez said, her voice
breaking. "He's a hero, is all I
can say. He's a hero."
The names of all four pilots
were evoked with similar
respect and love throughout the
three-hour ceremony: Pablo
Morales. Carlos Costa, Mario
de la Pena, Armando Alejandre
Jr. As day turned to night, the
losses suffered by all four fami-
lies became a community loss
MARICE , Herald Staff
as well.
"Today is not about groups or
A COMMUNITY'S LOSS: At the top of the Orange Bowl, Betty Fareido waves a dove of peace
organization," said Felix Fer-
attached to the Cuban flag, while Yvette Pedraja waves the American flag as the Mass begins.
nandez, 59. "It's about the four
boys who died for a free Cuba."
four young men.
Said her cousin, Cristina
"Today we remember the
Gonzalez, 20, "This helps ease
thousands of brothers who have
the pain, too."
been executed, the others who
Madeleine Albright, U.S.
have fallen in clandestine oper-
ambassador to the United
ations.
Remember the same
Nations. spoke with indigna-
brothers who lost their lives in
tion of the man responsible for
the straits," he said.
the deaths. Each time she said
At 6:01 p.m., two Brothers to
the Fidel Castro, the crowd
the Rescue planes made three
responded with boos.
passes over the stadium. People
"Or this you may be sure:
stood and cheered.
When the government of Fidel
Among those clapping: Ana
Castro tries to shift the blame of
Roque, wife of Juan Pablo
this tragedy to the victims,
Roque. a suspected spy for the
America will tell the truth," she
Cuban government who infil-
said.
trated Brothers to the Rescue.
"When the government of
The ceremony ended with a
Fidel Castro tries - as he has
procession of four brown steeds
- to deny that what he did was
- riderless in honor of the four
VALLBONA / Herald Staff
murder. America will tell the
downed pilots. A Cuban flag
truth.
fluttered from the lead horse.
SOLIDARITY: Archbishop John Favarola greets Armando
"When the government of
About 200 Cuban-American
Alejandre Sr., father of a downed pilot. In the middle is
Fidel Castro tries - as he has
women dressed in black fol-
Madeleine Albright, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
- to twist and distort the rules
lowed, symbolizing Cuban
by which all civilized people
mothers who have lost a child.
Morse, a bugler from the 13th
vain.
must live, America will tell the
A drum roll played for 10
Army Band with the Florida
"His blood refreshed our
truth."
minutes until they cleared the
National Guard, played taps.
souls," Luis Hernandez said. "I
Armando Alejandre Sr. urged
field.
Luis Hernandez, brother of
feel revitalized, reborn to fight
the crowd to remember that
The crowd went silent.
Hady Hernandez, vowed that
for a free Cuba. That is what
Cuba has lost many more than
At midfield, Sgt. Lawrence S.
Morales' death won't be in
Pablo wanted most."
22A
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1996
THE HERALD
F
THE NEW (
From above, pilots pay
homage to fallen fliers
By ELAINE DE VALLE
Father Francisco Santana of Ermita De La
Herald Staff Writer
Caridad Catholic Church, flying in the lead
plane piloted by Brothers founder Jose Basulto,
: Eighteen small civilian planes lifted into a wet,
said a eulogy while one by one, pilots and their
gray sky Saturday afternoon as hundreds of sup-
passengers tossed flowers into the sea.
porters at Opa-locka airport cheered, honked
Ray Martin, a Brothers pilot, flew in from
their horns, waved flags and
Tampa for the memorial service. He was still
flashed their car lights.
emotional after he touched ground.
Destination: the Florida
"I got goose bumps," said Martin, who flew
Straits, where four Brothers to
700 feet above the watery graves of his friends,
the Rescue flyers were gunned
which were marked by the U.S. Coast Guard.
down by Cuban MiGs a week
"I had my own little prayer," he said. "I was
earlier.
busy watching the planes to the side, but I could
The funeral flight ended
see the flowers falling from our plane. They
about 17 miles north of Cuba,
looked good. It was beautiful."
where pilots - from the
Basulto and Brothers' co-founder Billy Schuss
Brothers group, Rafters Res-
led the formation. After returning, they gave a
cue Legion and the Cuban-
quick press conference and were rushed to the
American Pilots Association
Orange Bowl, escorted by police cars.
- circled in what they call a
Basulto
"The mission was hard," Basulto said. "We
*racetrack formation" for
had very bad weather. But it was worth it. I'm
about half an hour.
feeling a great sense of relief."
CUBA CRISIS
PETER ANDREW BOSCH / Herald Staff
FLY OVER: Planes accompany the flotilia Saturday afternoon. The flight ended about 17 miles
north of Cuba, where pilots circled in a 'racetrack formation' for about half an hour.
Also in Basulto's plane was Orlando Gutier-
"Although my husband has departed, I am
rez of El Directorio Revolucionario Democra-
with them 100 percent," Roque said of the vol-
tico Cubano, carrying flowers and a framed pho-
unteer pilots. "I believe in their mission and I
tograph of his friend Mario de la Peña, one of
believe in a free Cuba."
the fallen pilots.
Mayte Greco, 36, the only female pilot in the
"I want to tell Mario that the struggle against
procession, said it was the only way for her and
injustice will go on," he said.
the others to bury their buddies.
Ana Roque, wife of alleged Cuban spy Juan
After returning, Greco was visibly moved.
Pablo Roque, came to the airport. Through
"If the guys were up there watching us, they
tears, she expressed her allegiance to the group
had big smiles on their faces," she said. "All
and pinned a black ribbon on Basulto's shirt.
their friends were out here."
order to down planes
By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS
"It was so humiliating," the
Herald Staff Writer
Cuban leader told Time. "The
HAVANA Cuban President
U.S. would not have tolerated it
Fidel Castro has taken responsi-
if Washington's airspace had
bility for the decision to shoot
been violated by small air-
down two unarmed civilian air-
planes."
craft and suggested that forcing
In July and Jan. 9 and 13, the
them to land might have imper-
founder of Brothers to the Res-
iled Cuban fighter planes.
cue, Jose Basulto, overflew
In an interview with Time
Havana and dropped leaflets
magazine released Saturday, Cas-
calling for Castro's overthrow.
tro said he and his military chiefs
After conferring with his
met after exile planes made two
brother, Raul Castro, the armed
incursions into Cuban airspace
forces commander, and the Joint
in January. He said they con-
cluded it "cannot happen again."
PLEASE SEE CASTRO, 23A
soap are viewed as luxuries and
CASTRO, FROM 1A
even sugar is sometimes scarce.
"The idea that Concilio was
Chiefs of Staff, Castro said, "We
Castro, in the interview.
born and bred in the United
gave the order to the head of the
defended his hard-line position
States is absurd," the diplomat
Air Force. On Saturday [Broth-
even though it fortified the drive
said. "And the Cubans know it.
in the U.S. Congress to approve
They've searched [the dissi-
ers' planes] came twice. The San
Antonio air base was on high
sweeping new sanctions against
dents'] homes and read all their
his government.
documents, so they know it."
alert. On the third pass, they
Castro, pressed as to why he
scrambled and did their job.
They shot the planes down. They
'Incident would be exploited'
did not merely force down the
are professionals. They did what
"We realized the incident
exile planes last week, indicated
they believe is the right thing.
would be exploited as an issue
that it would have placed the
between Cuba and the U.S. and
MiG fighters at risk.
These are all people we trust, but
would become an issue in the
"It is very difficult," he said.
I take responsibility for what
happened."
American presidential election,
"We have tried it with narco-
Castro's remarks were his first
he said.
traffickers and lost some of our
public statements on the inci-
Cuban officials said privately
planes."
dent.
they feared that exile provocal
Castro also suggested that
some exiles were trying to make
As an exile flotilla braved
tions would get even bolder if
rough seas Sat-
unanswered - and push Clinton
political trouble for President
to the brink of war in politically
Clinton. Asked if he ever thought
urday to com-
memorate the
crucial weeks prior to the
of phoning Clinton, Castro
November elections.
paused and said: "I have never
fallen pilots,
But Castro also disclosed that
talked to any president of the
ordinary resi-
the effort by a dissident coali
United States. The exiles would
dents
here
tion, Concilio Cubano, to hold its
murder Clinton if they found out
reacted with
first meeting last week had also
he was talking to me.
only
mild
strained authorities' patience
interest and
reflected scant
"In addition to these flights,
knowledge of
there was also interference by the
the boaters'
U.S. Interests Section in our
intent.
internal affairs," Castro said.
Cuban media
"What these people are doing
downplayed
Castro
was intolerable. They were giving
the flotilla, focusing news
money and paying the bills of
accounts throughout the day on
dissidents."
more mundane matters of agri-
The criticism was apparently
cultural production and garbage
directed at U.S. diplomats here
collection.
who have chronicled a crack
But Cuba's independent jour-
down against dissidents -
nalists - in addition to a vast
including 150 cases of arrests or
group of foreign journalists -
harassment in recent weeks
trolled Havana for reactions and
and attended meetings the dissi-
even took to sea to witness the
dents held with visiting U.S. law-
flotilla's arrival.
makers and others.
Officials at the U.S. mission
Cuban boats at sea
have been extraordinarily tight-
The Havana government made
lipped_ throughout the current
available a naval vessel to
crisis.
observe the flotilla from Cuban
But one Western diplomat who
waters. Early Saturday, five
monitors dissident activity
Cuban patrol boats - more than
denounced such criticism as an
normally seen off Havana's har+
effort to portray legitimate
bor - plied the scas as escorts.
homegrown opponents as foreign
Virtually all Cubans inter-
puppets.
THE NEW CUBA CRISIS
F
Herald
Staff
SHARED PAIN: Members of Carlos Costa's fa
old each
Mendez, Mirta Mendez, Mirta Costa, the pilot's mother
thael
other during 8 prayer for the downed pilots. Fro
ft: Melisa
Mendez, 16, and Andrew Mendez, 10.
10
DOWNED
FEAR
ARMANDO
MARIO DE LA PEÑA
ALEJANDRE JR.
CARLOS COSTA
Mario de la Peña, 24, was born
Though not a pilot, Armando
PABLO MORALES
in New Jersey, the son of Cuban
Alejandre Jr., 45, was active In
Carlos Costa, 29, was born in
immigrants, and grew up in
Brothers to the Rescue and had
Miami and graduated from Pace
Pablo Morales, 29, fled Cuba in
Miami.
gone on several trips to bring
High School in 1984.
1992. His raft was spotted by a
Studying to get his commercial
food and supplies to Cuban refu-
Costa had been active with
Brothers to the Rescue crew and
pilot's license and working as an
gees in the Bahamas.
Brothers to the Rescue for more
he later joined the group to watch
Intern for American Airlines, de is
Alejandre had worked as a con-
than three years, flying missions,
for other rafters while training for
Peña joined some of the Broth-
struction manager for Dade
answering phones and schedul-
his pilot's license.
ers' riskier missions, including the
County, most recently as a transit
ing flights.
Morales left family back in
flyover to Havana last year to
cost estimator for the county's
He was single and lived with his
Cuba - a brother, sister, parents
drop fliers.
Department of Transportation.
parents, Osvaldo and Mirta
and a niece - and was often
He lived with his parents in
He was a Vietnam veteran.
Costa, in Northwest Dade.
homesick.
South Miami.
A time for uniting
BUM
via land, sea, air
Bishop: 'Lord, don't
allow death to devour
the children of Cuba'
HOMAGE FROM THE AIR, 22A
DIFFICULT RIDE AT SEA, 22A
A VICTIM'S FAMILY IN CUBA, 23A
EMOTION IN THE ORANGE BOWL, 23A
By JOHN LANTIGUA, GAIL EPSTEIN
And MARTIN MERZER
Herald Staff Writers
By air, they defied dangerous winds and dropped
red roses. By sea, they endured 10-foot waves and
offered white carnations. By land, they arrived in
great tides and they carried colorful flags and black
balloons, their hopes and their sorrow.
South Florida's Cuban exiles, often divided over
doctrine and tactics, united Saturday in grief and
prayer. They flew over the Straits of Florida. They
navigated turbulent waters. They flocked to an
Orange Bowl veiled by mournful skies, illuminated
with humanity.
And through this - their presence, their solem-
nity and their tenacity - they protested Cuba's
destruction of two unarmed planes. They honored
the memories of four fliers for Brothers to the Res-
cue, a group whose name symbolized the spirit of
the day.
"Lord, don't allow death to devour the children
of Cuba," Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman told
more than 60,000 people during a Saturday eve-
ning ecumenical service at the Orange Bowl. "Lord,
bless the nation that shelters us."
Said Madeleine Albright, the tough-talking U.S.
ambassador to the United Nations:
"There is anguish in our hearts, hut let us not
allow that anguish to harden our hearts. America
will protect its citizens in international waters and
international skies."
That was the case Saturday. It was, in every way,
a day of peace, unhampered by Cuban warplanes,
NUM VALLBONA / Herald Staff
aves of American and Cuban flags flutter at the Orange Bowl, where more than 60,000 people gathered.
PLEASE SEE CI
4,
22A
inhibited but not ruined
"I was very young when I came
by miserable weather.
to this country and I came for
The rest of the boats produced
south through ever-rising seas,
ning more somper than reserve.
The exile boats abbreviated
freedom of speech," said Iturbe.
34. "My father was in jail. My
aiming for a spot 21 miles north-
Most people seemed to arrive
their voyage. Some planes
west of Havana, a spot now
in groups - family members and
remained grounded. A few peo-
mother had to work in the
called "Point Brother.' It is the
friends spanning all generations.
ple undoubtedly stayed home.
camps. That's why we're here. I
One such person was Danays
But for the most part, the day
think we all have to fight for
region where the two planes were
Garcia, who arrived from Cuba
of prayer and protest proceeded
something we believe in.
shot down.
10 years ago. She is only 18 years
IS planned. The exiles and their
it was a day for Armando Ale-
No match for the 10-foot
old, but she knows many things.
Supporters overcame rain, wind
jandre Sr. to tell the world about
waves, at least nine small boats
This is what she said:
and high seas - and they
Armando Alejandre Jr., his son
quickly returned to safe harbor in
"I have seen the pain in my
expressed their torment and their
and namesake, dead at 45 in an
Key West. Others stopped else-
grandparents' faces and their suf-
resolve.
incident that sparked a new
where, conducting impromptu
fering. I'm here because I feel I
"Brothers to the Rescue will
U.S.-Cuban crisis. The others
services.
have to be here. I owe it to my
not disband," said Brothers
killed in the MiG attack: Carlos
But 14 pressed on, their occu-
grandparents and I owe it to
founder Jose Basulto, who flew
Cósta. 29; Mario de la Pena, 24;
pants wretched with seasickness.
Brothers to the Rescue.
one of two planes that buzzed the
Pablo Morales, 29.
nevertheless determined to lurch
"I know what it's like to live in
Orange Bowl, electrifying the
"May the Lord be merciful to
close to Point Brother.
Cuba.
crowd there. "We have more
their souls as He takes them in
"And I know what it's like to
planes. We have more pilots."
His arms," said Alejandre Sr.,
A ceremony at sea
be free."
Down in the Straits of Florida,
addressing God and profoundly
When they advanced as far as
Herald staff writers Susana Bel-
halfway between Key West and
touching the crowd at the Orange
they could, they gathered around
lido, Cynthia Corzo. Elaine de
Cuba. short of their goal but close
Bowl.
a 50-foot fishing vessel that
Valle, Manny Garcia, Donna
enough, the most hardy partici-
pants in a storm-tossed flotilla
Crowd rises for families
served as the flotilla's lead ship.
Gehrke, Rick Jervis, Nancy Klin-
Sanchez, the organizer, spoke
gener. Phil Long. Renato Pere:
conducted a memorial service for
When be and the victims' other
over the radio so he could be
and Barry Yelvington contributed
the lost fliers.
relatives entered the stadium, the
heard by those aboard other ves-
to this report.
Mourners tossed floral wreaths
crowd rose as one.
sels.
into the sea. They said a prayer.
¡Libertad! ¡Libertad!
"The day will come when the
They hugged.
And it was a day for Sylvia
dream of freedom of the Cuban
And as their boats bobbed in
Iriando, aboard the only plane
people will be fulfilled," he said,
the waves, flotilla leader Ramon
that survived the attack by
'so we won't have to come to the
Saul Sanchez radioed a message
Cuban MiGs a week ago Satur-
high seas to mourn brutally
to the crew of the Coast Guard
day, to speak about the young
assassinated young men."
cutter Valiant. There, only 30
lives lost that day. Iriondo knows
Then, the exiles said a prayer
feet away, 75 crewmen lined up
something about young people.
and sang the Cuban national
on deck, heads lowered in
She formed a group called Moth-
anthem. And they watched as the
respect.
ers Against Repression.
flowers they tossed into the sea
Sanchez told them: "You are
"This is a tribute to these
were carried by the current,
the heart of the American peo-
young men who so unselfishly
towards the north. away from
pie,"
gave the most precious thing they
The Valiant and other armed
had - their lives," she said.
Fidel Castro.
Coast Guard vessels escorted the
"And we're renewing our com-
The inclement weather also
private boats throughout the day.
mitment to continue, inspired by
grounded a few of the planes
A squadron of F-15s and F-16s
their example."
poised to fly south from Opa-
bristled on alert as 18 private
locka Airport, but 18 took off
planes oscillated through heavy
Like many people, she was
winds. Three U.S. warships
dressed in black in her case, a
anyway. One was forced to
return; the others reached Point
cruised nearby. Police stood
black shirt, black pants, black
Brother.
ready at the Orange Bowl.
shoes, even black earrings. But
There, they flew over the spot
she also wore a yellow ribbon. A
for more than 30 minutes, drop-
No Cuban military encounters
symbol of hope for the future, she
said.
ping flowers and remembering
But no Cuban MiGs or gun-
their lost Brothers.
boats materialized out of the
Faith in a better future for
clouds or mist. No shots were
Cuba and Cubans suffused a day
Circling the Orange Bowl
fired across any bows, Cuban or
that could have been ruined -
Cuban American. No warplanes
but wasn't by a weather front
Later, Basulto's plane and one
that barreled through South Flor-
piloted by Brothers co-founder
were scrambled, no arrests
ida.
Billy Schuss circled the Orange
required.
Bowl. around and around, in
It was not a day for that. It was
People on the docks
tribute rather than triumph. The
a day for this:
Cruz Iturbe, huddled at the
Thirty-five boats left Key West
crowd rose and cheered: ¡Cuba
Libre!
Orange Bowl in a yellow rain
at sunrise Saturday, and even
Multi-colored waves of Ameri-
slicker, holding a Cuban flag and
that number could not accommo-
an American flag, remembering
date everyone. Scores of people
can and Cuban flags fluttered in
the way it was in Cuba and the
were left behind on the dock.
gusts that whipped the Orange
Bowl, but black balloons and
way it is in America.
Seven boats soon split from the
black ribbons rendered the eve-
pack, heading to a spot 10 miles
south of Key West where a
Miami man, Lazaro Gutierrez,
died when a boat sank during last
September's flotilla. There, the
group dropped a wreath in his
honor.
tiene que ser denunciado".
Silvia Iriondo, de Madres Ante
coslovaquia, dijo Albright.
"La señora Albright, que le
ORANGE BOWL, DE 1A
Unos rezaban, otros pedían
la Represión por Cuba, tripu-
"Pero también recuerdo de
diga a la administración que nos
Un grupo de 60 nicaragüenses
paz, otros guerra, otros el bio-
lante de la única avioneta que
adulta, cuando Vaclav Havel, un
otros los cubanos nos bastamo:
también acudió al estadio para
queo. Todos, libertad.
sobrevivió al ataque de los MiG
disidente, juró por la presidencia
nosotros solos, que no queremos
adherirse al sentir del exilio
"Fidel Castro no entiende por
cubanos, fue la moderadora del
de ese país".
sangre de norteamericanos er
cubano.
vías diplomáticas, dijo Andrés
evento.
A las 6:30 p.m., los discursos se
Cuba, que con la nuestra basta"
"Hemos venido porque la
Nazario Sargén, presidente del
"Ellos nos han señalado con el
interrumpieron. Fue el momento
dijo Basulto. "Sólo pedimos que
causa de los cubanos es igual que
grupo paramilitar Alpha 66, que
ejemplo de sus vidas que el
más dramático. Dos avionetas de
se respete nuestro derecho a se
la de los nicaragüenses", mani-
participó acompañado de un cen-
camino de la libertad está en la
Hermanos al Rescate, atravesa-
libres".
festó Carlos Gaitán, que asistió
tenar de sus miembros vestidos
isla, en el suelo de la patria", dijo
ron el cielo como pájaros azules,
Con rostros emocionados y e
acompañado de su hijo, Lester,
de camuflaje. "Sólo a través de la
Iriondo.
y la multitud los recibió con una
fervor a flor de piel, los asistente
de 12 años.
acción bélica vamos a derrotar al
Miembros de la Guardia
ovación de varios minutos. En
escucharon a monseñor Agusti
Los familiares de las víctimas
tirano".
Nacional residentes en Hialeah y
una de las avionetas iba José
Román, obispo auxiliar de 1:
caminaron a todo lo largo del
La tragedia trascendió las fron-
Miami desfilaron en el estadio
Basulto, presidente de Hermanos
Arquidiócesis de Miami.
campo y el público los recibió
teras étnicas. La comunidad
unto a Christian Navarrete, de
al Rescate, y regresaban de un
"Señor, ten en tu corazón a lo
con aplausos.
cubana no estuvo sola el sábado.
16 años, estudiante de la Escuela
homenaje a los caídos, tres horas
que hoy luchan en Cuba agrupa
"Estamos contigo", gritó
"He venido a compartir el
de Belén, que portaba una ban-
antes, en el Estrecho de la
dos en el Concilio Cubano", dij
Mercy del Valle desde una grada
dolor por esta tragedia de nuestra
dera cubana.
Florida.
Román durante la oración po
a Mirta Costa, madre de Carlos
comunidad", dijo fiscal federal
Coando se anunció la entrada
"Son nuestros Hermanos; al
las almas de las -víctimas a quie
Costa.
Kendall'Coffey, que permaneció
de Madeleine Albright, embaja-
Rescate que vienen de honrar a
nes calificó de mártires.
Los retratos de las victimas
hasta el final del evento apoyado
dora de Estados Unidos ante
nuestros mártires en el mar
presidían la tribuna, adornada
por gran número de organizacio-
Naciones Unidas, los aplausos
donde fueron asesinados", anun-
Román concluyó la oració
con coronas de flores que forma-
nes de exiliados.
fueron estruendosos. Los gritos
ció Iriondo mientras la multitud
pidiendo a Dios que apresure
día del regreso a Cuba y de I
ban la bandera cubana y estado-
Junto al simbolismo patriótico
de "¡Bloqueal" sobrepasaron a
gritaba, aplaudía y ondeaba las
unidense.
hubo interpretaciones sobre sig-
los de "¡Libertad!"
banderas desde todos los rinco-
liberación.
Angel Calzadilla, vocero del
nificado político del derribo de
Albright es admirada por los
"Apresúralo, porque la sobe
nes.
Departamento de Policía de
las dos avionetas y el derrama-
exiliados cubanos por su contun-
"Son mis héroes", dijo Elena
bia de un hombre hace que nue:
Miami, estimó una participación
miento de sangre inocente.
dente condena del derribo de las
Valdivieso, de 18 años. "Naci
tro pueblo agonice", dijo.
de más de 60,000 personas.
"Esto ha servido para que haya
avionetas esta semana ante el
aquí, pero soy cubana y siento
Entre las madres enlutadas qu
"Si en la parte de abajo caben
una reconciliación del exilio con
Consejo de Seguridad de Nacio-
tanto por Cuba como por este
desfilaron en la procesión (
clausura estaba Janet River
cerca de 45,000 y está repleto, y.
Clinton", dijo Jorge Mas Canosa,
nes Unidas.
país".
en la parte de arriba unos
presidente de la Fundación
"Cuando Castro echa la culpa
Después de dar las gracias y
amiga de Mario de là Peña.
30,000 y está casi lleno, cual-
Nacional Cubano, Americana.
a las víctimas, Estados Unidos
recordar a todos los mártires de
"Siento un gran dolor, per
quiera puede dar un estimado",
"Ahora debemos trabajar juntos
dirá la verdad; cuando diga que
Cuba, Armando Alejandre,
también orgullo, porque dierc
explicó Calzadilla.
con la administración en una
no fue asesinato, Estados Unidos
padre, habló en representación
su vida por un motivo digno
Artistas, políticos, congresis-
estrategia para poner en práctica
dirá la verdad, y por la verdad ha
de las familias de los cuatro acti-
nos están dando un ejemplo
tas, figuras de las principales
una política que promueva la
sido condenado en la corte de la
vistas y de la comunidad cubana:
nosotros y un mensaje a Cut
organizaciones del exilio y lide-
libertad de Cuba".
opinión pública mundial por sus
"Hemos sido consecuentes con la
que necesita saber que somos S¹
res de la comunidad unieron su
El acto religioso ecuménico
crimenes", dijo Albright.
estrofa de nuestro himno: 'Morir
hermanos y que juntos vamos
voz en un solo grito.
comenzó con un marcial solo de
Albright hizo referencia en su
por la patria es vivir'
lograr una patria libre", di
"Vine a apoyar a los familiares
trompeta de Alfredo de la Rosa,
intervención a la entrada de los
Después de entrar en olor de
Rivero, de 20 años.
de las víctimas", dijo la cantante
director de la banda de la escuela
soviéticos en Praga después de la
multitudes en medio del acto
Al final de la multitudinar
cubanoamericana Gloria Este-
secundaria South Miami,
Segunda Guerra Mundial.
religioso, Basulto hizo una breve
congregación, cuatro caballos S
fan, junto a su esposo Emilio y su
seguido de un recital de la Coral
"Recuerdo cuando era niña,
intervención en la que pasó lista
jincte, símbolos de las cuat
hijo, vestida de negro. "Ellos no
Cubana, bajo la dirección de Car-
los tanques rusos, dirigidos por
por los cuatro hermanos ausentes
vidas perdidas, encabezaran
murieron en vano y este crimen
men Riera.
Josef Stalin, aplastando a Che-
y después se dirigió a Albright.
procesión.