Democratic Underground - he already has

Cuba Dissidents Say 10,000 Sign Referendum Appeal
by Isabel Garcia-Zarza
March 07, 2002

HAVANA (Reuters) - In an apparently unprecedented move during President Fidel Castro's 43-year rule, a group of dissidents says it has gathered 10,000 signatures to ask the Cuban parliament for a referendum on political reforms.

"We are proposing a consultation with the people so they decide about change," a leading moderate dissident, Oswaldo Paya, who is the main promoter of the so-called Varela Project, told Reuters late on Wednesday.

The project, named for pro-independence Catholic priest Felix Varela (1788-1853), is based on article 88 of the Cuban constitution, which says new legislation may be proposed by citizens if more than 10,000 voters support them.

The proposed referendum, Paya said, would be on the need to guarantee the rights of free expression and association; an amnesty for political prisoners; more opportunities for private business; a new electoral law; and a general election.

http://www.cubacenter.org/media/news_articles/referendum.php3

None of these people are included in the recent crack down on 'dissidents'.

And what about Jose Padilla? Where's his fair, speedy trial? Oh yeah, that's right, he's an enemy combatant, so he doesn't get a trial. I forget, what do they say about people living in glass houses?

Reply #45: he already has [View All]