EU schools US on practical foreign policy with Cuba

For Immediate Release Friday, June 20, 2008

Libertarian Party encourages US to follow the EU’s lead on Cuban policy

As the European Union prepares to lift its limited sanctions on Cuba, the Libertarian Party is encouraging the Bush administration to follow suit. “The United States could learn much from the EU’s decision to lift its remaining sanctions on Cuba,” says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis.

“The EU’s decision to remove its last remaining sanctions on Cuba indicates a willingness to work with Cuba on human rights in a non-threatening manner,” says Davis. “Current US policy towards Cuba creates an acrimonious relationship with that country and has done nothing but hurt American businesses and the Cuban people. US sanctions on Cuba have been a costly mistake since the 1960s, and it is time to correct that error. Though largely symbolic, the EU’s decision should set an example for the future of American foreign policy with Cuba.”

The Libertarian Party encourages a practical foreign policy with Cuba that replaces hostile sanctions with free trade and tourism. The Libertarian Party calls for the immediate suspension of all sanctions on Cuba, claiming, “The Cuban people and American industry suffer under such ineffectual policies as the Cuban embargo.”

The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org . The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

For more information on this issue, or to arrange a media interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 731-0002.