Statement by Madeleine Albright

I am grateful for the opportunity to send a message to the participants in this important event- the inauguration of the Polish Committee of Solidarity with Cuba. First, I want to congratulate the Lech Wałęsa Institute for embarking on this noble and worthy project. Poland’s inspirational path to democracy gives it a special position to offer support and encouragement to the oppressed people of Cuba.

From childhood memories of Czechoslovakia and my years in public service I share a strong bond with the people of Central and Eastern Europe and its democratic leaders. They cemented my profound belief in the power of leading by example. Their courageous struggle to bring an end to totalitarian rule and establish thriving democracies has ushered in an era of integration and prosperity in Europe.

Today, the example of movements like Poland’s Solidarity provides hope and inspiration for those still denied democracy. Solidarity has become synonymous with the triumph of civil society and the power of the people to bring about peaceful democratic change.  I am confident that the same resolve and bravery with which Poland embarked on its own democratic mission will propel its efforts to encourage democracy in Cuba.

The Polish Committee of Solidarity with Cuba can offer practical lessons learned and moral support to the people of Cuba.  Solidarity matters.  The Polish people recall from experience the importance of support from free societies for those who struggle for democracy. In closed societies like Cuba, patriots who stand up for democracy and human rights are victims of targeted repression and marginalization.  These brave activists can feel very lonely, as if they stand alone.  They are not alone.  As today’s gathering in Warsaw makes clear, these Cubans have the hopes and admiration of people around the world.  Those who won your freedom not long ago, like the Poles, have a special authority to rally support around those courageous individuals who today speak out in Cuba in favor of democracy at great personal risk.

As Poland’s history so clearly illustrates, the people of a country must determine their own fate. For democracy to take root in Cuba, it must be built from within.  President Wałęsa has publicly stressed that Cubans must set forth well-structured plans for the eventuality of democratic change.    Cubans on the island are heeding that call.   Cuban activist Oswaldo Payá has recently put forward a truly democratic plan- the result of a national dialogue among the Cuban people - that provides a roadmap for a nonviolent transition to democracy.

The plan embodies a basic idea on which I believe democracy rests- that every individual counts and that the fundamental dignity of every human being should be respected. It embraces reconciliation.    Poland serves as an excellent example of the role that reconciliation plays in the peaceful road to democracy. The new Poland has had three presidents:  Lech Wałęsa, Aleksander Kwaśniewski and Lech Kaczyński. These men are a testament to Poland’s democratic pluralism and inclusion of all citizens of different past and current political views. It is also important to note they have been elected democratically and succeeded each other peacefully.

I truly wish that I could be with all of you for this momentous event. I am hopeful of what will be achieved by the Committee and certain that this is the beginning of a very special relationship between the Polish and Cuban people.  

Madeleine Albright