WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- President Bush Friday announced several initiatives aimed at ending the 44-year-old dictatorship of Fidel Castro and help Cuba achieve democracy.
Among them, the President plans to tighten exiting travel restrictions to Cuba, and increase broadcasts to Cuba to inform the people about Castro's tyranny.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Bush said he was forced to take the initiatives because Castro has ignored all his previous calls to hold free elections and allow Cubans to speak freely.
"The dictator has responded with defiance and contempt and a new round of brutal oppression that outraged the world's conscience," Bush said.
"Clearly, the Castro regime will not change by its own choice. But Cuba must change. So today, I am announcing several new initiatives intended to hasten the arrival of a new, free, democratic Cuba."
The administration also will set up a commission to be headed by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Housing Secretary Mel Martinez to draw up a plan to help the Cuba after Castro's demise.
"This country loves freedom," Bush said. "And we know that the enemy of every tyrant is the truth. We are determined to bring the truth to the people who suffer under Fidel Castro."
