Published Tuesday, January 28, 1997, in the Miami Herald

Clinton: U.S. ready to finance a free Cuba

President reveals transition plan

By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS
Herald Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- The United States is prepared to pay the ``predominant'' share of the $4 billion to $8 billion needed to help Cuba's transition to a free market democracy after President Fidel Castro is gone, President Clinton will tell Congress today.

``Due to the proximity and national interest, the United States can be expected to be the predominant bilateral provider of such assistance,'' Clinton said in a 24-page report that was obtained by The Herald.

The report, titled ``Support for a Democratic Transition in Cuba,'' provides the first look at the administration's assessments and intentions of how best to help Cubans achieve a prosperous and democratic nation.

Although light on detail, U.S. officials and Rep. Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat who mandated the document as part of the Helms-Burton Act of 1996, said the message of the report may be as important as its contents.

Serious commitment

``What the document is supposed to do is convey to the people of Cuba that we are serious about helping them,'' said one U.S. official who asked not to be identified. ``This is a goodwill gesture. These are the types of things the United States and the international community are willing to do when the time is right.''

Menendez, in an interview Monday, said the report belies international criticism of U.S. policy -- and specifically of the Helms-Burton Act -- that Washington is indifferent to the suffering of the Cuban people as it tightens the economic squeeze against the Castro government.

``This is the first time we pro-actively lay out a blueprint of how we would assist [Cuba] in a transition to democracy,'' Menendez said.

In addition to forcing the administration to prepare itself for that eventuality, Menendez said the report would ``create seeds of ferment'' among the Cuban people -- including within the armed forces -- by demonstrating a U.S. commitment to help boost the nation once ``certain conditions'' are met.

Menendez said the report will be translated into Spanish and made available to Cubans through informal channels and Its contents will also be broadcast over Radio Marti., the U.S. government station, he said.

Conditions for aid

The conditions for U.S. assistance to Cuba and for lifting the 34-year trade embargo against that nation are inscribed in the Helms-Burton Act. They include: the departure of Fidel Castro and his brother Raul from power; the release of all political prisoners; the dismantling of the interior ministry; and a public commitment to hold free and fair elections.

What Cuba can expect from Washington after implementing such changes comprises the president's report, which was drafted with input from the State Department, the Agency for International Development and the National Security Council.

The highlights:

  • The United States is prepared to enter into negotiations to either return the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay to Cuba or to renegotiate the present agreement ``under mutually agreeable terms.''

  • Despite its current position as a pillar of the Castro government, the Cuban armed forces could ``potentially play a positive role'' in a transition. While the military will have to be ``sized to Cuba's needs'' and removed from high-profile roles in the economy and internal security, its ``core professional interests need not be threatened.''

  • Early on in a transition, humanitarian relief should be distributed through both official channels and through nongovernmental organizations.

  • Enforcing the rule of law under a transition will be key, and the United States should be prepared to enter into a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Cuba to enhance cooperation, as well as help Cuba train judges.

  • The United States and other nations should help promote private enterprise, with a special emphasis on helping establish small businesses with credits and expertise.

  • On the nettlesome issue of property claims -- the administration says that ``claims espoused by foreign governments, such as the United States, may be readily resolved through bilateral negotiation.'' But the larger number of claims -- potentially involving tens of thousands of exile claims -- might be resolved by granting shares in newly privatized industries.

  • Prior to receiving significant aid, Cuba should undertake the necessary reforms to enter into the good graces of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Aid would then be supplied to help revamp the tax system, privatize banks and shore up infrastructure.

  • U.S. advisers could help Cuba's once-vaunted medical system become more cost-effective and efficient.

  • Cuban exiles can be counted on to pump more than $1 billion into the island's economy each year. And Cuba would receive well in excess of $267 million a year in foreign direct investment. ``Cuba has the human and natural resources to become a free and prosperous nation,'' Clinton said. ``When it undertakes a transition to democracy, Cubans from all walks of life, from San Antonio to Miami, can count on the United States and the international community to help them forge a peaceful future, free from repression and economic misery.''

    Copyright © 1997 The Miami Herald