wfn.org | Assembly Calls for Repeal of Helms-Burton

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

19-June-1997 
GA97092 
 
            Assembly Calls For Repeal of Helms-Burton 
 
                       by Nancy Rodman 
 
 
SYRACUSE--The 209th General Assembly Wednesday evening called on Congress 
to rescind the Cuban Democracy Act and the Helms-Burton Act and again 
called upon the United States government to open negotiations with the 
Cuban government with the goal of reestablishing full diplomatic relations. 
 
    The Cuban Democracy Act unilaterally tightened United States economic 
restrictions against Cuba in an effort to pressure other governments into 
supporting the U.S. in its anti-Castro efforts.  The Helms-Burton Act 
allows lawsuits against foreign corporations using property claimed by the 
U.S. and nationalized by Cuba.  While the president has so far delayed that 
portion of the act, it has prompted formal legal protests by Canada, 
Mexico, the European community, and other nations. 
 
    The Assembly also called for cooperative efforts on radio and 
television transmissions, detection and interdiction of narcotic traffic, 
air and sea traffic, environmental protections and nuclear safety issues, 
improving postal service, eliminating travel and currency restrictions, and 
ensuring Cuba's access to medical and food supplies. 
 
    Presbyterians are called on to build relations with Cuba through 
visits, church-to-church exchanges, provision of humanitarian needs, study, 
and advocacy of General Assembly positions, as well as supporting 
financially the life and mission of the growing Presbyterian Reformed 
Church in Cuba through the church's Extra Commitment Opportunities. 
Commissioner Martha Porter, Presbytery of Long Island, testified to the 
experience of her presbytery and its meaningful relationship with the Cuban 
church, adding that "United States policy is not personally hurting Fidel 
Castro, but is doing what Fidel Castro could not do.  Our policy is 
emptying Cuba of the Christian young people that are its future." 
 
    The Assembly called upon the government of Cuba to ensure the 
political, civil, and religious rights of the Cuban people and to permit 
the Board of Pensions to pay full retirement, survivor, and death benefits 
directly to eligible retired church servants and their families living in 
Cuba. 

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