FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

SENATE HONORS CUBAN DISSIDENT OSWALDO PAYÁ, CALLS FOR IMPARTIAL THIRD PARTY INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved S. RES. 525, a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Cuban dissident Oswaldo Payá, who died in a July 22 car crash in Cuba. The resolution was introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).

According to the resolution, “The Senate recognizes and honors the life and exemplary leadership of Oswaldo Payá, offers heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Oswaldo Payá and praises the bravery of Oswaldo Payá and his colleagues for collecting over 11,000 verified signatures in support of the Varela Project.” The resolution then “calls on the Cuban Government to allow an impartial, third party investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Oswaldo Payá” and “condemns the Cuban government for the detention of nearly 50 pro-democracy activists following the memorial service for Oswaldo Payá.”

Following the resolution’s passage, Rubio said, “Oswaldo Payá’s death is a tragedy for his family as well as the Cuban people and those of us who want to see a free and democratic Cuba. It’s important that the U.S. Senate speak with one voice and join the international community and others inside Cuba insisting that the regime be forthcoming with the truth about his death.”

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