Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Chavez Visit to Cuba
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez’s trip to Cuba and meetings with Raul and Fidel Castro. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“I am not surprised by reports that Hugo Chavez held court with the Castro brothers. These three are smitten with each other. It doesn’t matter that the people of Cuba and Venezuela want freedom and democracy. These guys work for their own egos and coffers, not for the people of Cuba and Venezuela.
“Cuba and Venezuela are also exploring a joint-venture with China to assemble an underwater telecommunications cable for the three countries to share. This strikes me as ironic seeing as the Chinese and Cuban regimes severely restrict access to the internet.
“Although Cuba is barred from participating at the upcoming Summit of the Americas, Chavez has assured his buddies that several nations will advocate for Cuba at the summit. This makes it even more critical for the United States and our allies in the Hemisphere to stand up for freedom, democratic principles, and human rights – all things which the leaders of Cuba and Venezuela reject.”
