Stuart Harrison
A US$80 million fund has been approved by US President George Bush to help the United States achieve "regime change" in Cuba.
The second report from the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, released on July 5, outlines Washington's plans to step up attacks on the island state's sovereignty. It openly commits the US to assisting the creation of a transitional government that supports "genuine" democracy, "human rights" and an open-market system.
The report claims that the first 180 days after Cuban President Fidel Castro dies will be vital, and could mean the "difference between a successful transition period and the stumbles and missteps that have slowed other states in their transitions toward democracy".
The $80 million is to be used as a part of a two-year program to break what the US describes as the "information blockade", as well as preparations for the post-Castro transfer of power.
The report also raises Washington's concerns over Cuba's close relationship with the Venezuelan government, let by socialist President Hugo Chavez. "Together, these countries are advancing an alternative retrograde and anti-American agenda for the hemisphere's future", the report claims.
In a television interview, Cuban National Assembly president Ricardo Alarcon said the report was a "true threat of aggression" and that the Cuban people have the right to be worried about the contents of the report's classified section.
Cuban government minister Bruno Rodriguez told the BBC on July 6 that the plans could not be achieved without a US invasion of Cuba.
The report can be found at <http://www.cafc.gov>.
From Green Left Weekly, July 19, 2006.
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