Havana, November 30, 2006

Mr. Lech Walesa

Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Poland

Dear President,

I received your letter of invitation to participate in the conference “From Solidarity to Democracy: Can Cuba Achieve Freedom?” that will take place next December. Unfortunately, because of the conditions under which we live, it is impossible for me to participate in such an important event that has such significance for our nation.

I appreciate the invitation, firstly because it comes from you, a living symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy worldwide, and because it is celebrated in the heroic Poland, a country that embodies a great tradition of struggle for the conquest of its sovereignty and independence.

As you know, the situation in Cuba is extremely complex. The repression is intense and there exists a great political, economic, and social crisis that can lead to chaos. In the jails, hundreds of our brothers are serving unjust sentences for their peaceful struggle to have human rights respected and for reinstating a just and democratic society “with all and for the good of all,” as our beloved apostle José Martí proclaimed.

I wish the best success to this conference that has you as its main proponent. At the same time that we express our most profound appreciation for your continuous support and solidarity, I also wish you all the best in your personal life and your generous work.

I repeat my highest regard for you,

Oscar Espinosa Chepe