Lech Walesa

The last so-called elections in Cuba – because what kind of elections are they without a choice – showed clearly the absurdity of the communist system on this beautiful island. These elections reminded me a little of the elections we used to have in the People’s Republic of Poland. The degree of farce and ridiculousness is definitely similar, especially when comparing the Cuban situation with the last days of the communist system in Poland. And this is a good sign.

In 1987, the Polish government asked Poles in the “great” referendum: “Are you in favor of a Polish model of deep democratization of political life, whose aim is to strengthen self-governing, broaden civilians’ rights and enlarge their participation in governing the country?” It sounded promising, nevertheless, no one was fooling themselves that they will get anything for free. Nearly 70% were in favor – at least these were the official results – and voter turnout reached almost 70% according to the authorities. From such a mockery of the elections it is much closer to transformation and democratization. People cease to be so afraid once they see such a scene. Yes, it’s true that they still vote the way the government wants them to because they are still somewhat afraid. But their fear melts away. Just as it melted away in Poland. The authorities have definitely sensed that. However, this fear can only melt away when there is a clear and wise support coming from the world.

What I mean by the world’s support is not imposition of any ready-made solutions on the Cuban people. I do not also mean violent revolutions. These happened several times in Poland, but never benefited us. They were ineffective and most often ended in bloodshed. What we need here is an international transformation, a change in mentality. And this change is slowly becoming visible. Every time the elections take place such as these in Cuba there is a growing number of those who think differently from the government, there is a growing number of the little streams of freedom. And it is important that they come together to form one strong current of freedom. This is why solidarity and unity are so important. No group, however strong or popular it would be, can ever achieve anything without a wider coalition. This is also the experience of the Polish people. It was not until a wide mass movement formed comprising various social groups that change started to happen.

It is symbolic that during the “elections” in Cuba one of the leaders of the Cuban opposition and political prisoner Hector Palacios Ruiz came with his wife to Poland. Mr. Palacios is a political prisoner and a Cuban dissident. He was arrested during the Black Spring of 2003 (mass arrests of the Cuban opposition, much like what we have experienced on our way to freedom). He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, out of which he has served 3,5 years in solitary confinement, in very difficult conditions, in an extremely small cell. Before that he was arrested on many previous occasions, as a result of which he has spent an additional 2,5 years in prison. It seems that such sacrifices are necessary on the way to freedom. But one cannot keep silent about them!

Hector Palacios was recently released because of his poor health condition. He took the invitation of the Spanish government to come to Spain for treatment. Nevertheless, he is still planning on going back to Cuba, where could be re-detained. After all, Fidel’s people are constantly vigilant. But they too have to understand that Hector Palacios came to Poland which is the Poland still associated with “Solidarnosc.” And that he came here on the invitation of the leaders and activists of the former Polish opposition, and that it was not a tourist trip. He came to ask for support, for solidarity. Various sources say that there are currently over 230 political prisoners in Cuba – over 230 innocent people who dared to be vocal about their desire for respecting the fundamental rights for their nation! A voice of freedom is once again heard from Poland. I joined the appeal to release political prisoners in Cuba with all my might. When the Polish opposition was harassed by the authorities such signals from the international community gave us much strength.

This visit to Poland of the Cuban dissidents coincides with the 10^th anniversary of John Paul II’s memorable pilgrimage to Cuba. He then sowed the good word of hope and reassurance. But this word still has to become flesh. We, Poles, needed 10 years after the first pilgrimage of the Holy Father to his Homeland in 1979. Maybe it is a sign of the times for Cubans. These 10 years were not, however, a time of waiting. They were a time of murderous, thankless work done to materialize the word as structures and specific actions.

Today and for the next couple of days I am in Taiwan, a place where there are also well-known problems. I am here for the Global Forum on New Democracies. Also participating are President Vincente Fox, President Frederik De Klerk and President Emil Constantinescu – the people and leaders from distant countries and cultures. But what we have in common is the way we think about global processes. More importantly, we share the belief that no nation has to lose in this global world. We are to discuss the accomplishments and challenges of the newly democratic countries. I will moderate the discussion on civil society. I believe it to be of key importance in the process of building democracy. After all, what use is there of imposing on someone certain structures, even the best possible structures, if this person does not understand or perceive them, if he or she is not ready for them. It is much like the situation in Cuba. For what counts is not imposing anything on others. It is reaching people with hope and solidarity known to us Poles from the past. Only then true miracles can happen. Miracles also known to us from the past.