Cuban democracy activist and founder of Estado de SATS, Antonio Rodiles, on the need to maintain U.S. sanctions against the Castro dictatorship:

"The U.S. embargo and the European Community Common Position are key pieces in this political chess game. If the government receives an infusion of resources in the current, unchanged, situation, it would enable it to keep its hyperatrophied repressive apparatus intact and we could say goodbye to our democratic dreams for the next 20 to 30 years. When I hear several pro-democracy actors advocate for the immediate and unconditional end to the embargo, I perceive a lack foresight with regards to the possible political scenarios. Are they unaware of previous experiences in other regions? Are they unaware of the famous phrase, 'economic opening with political opening'? Is the massive debt we have already left to our children and grandchildren not enough?"