Catholic dissident leader in Cuba calls for peace, unity
From Catholic News Agency (www.catholicnewsagency.com)

HAVANA, Cuba, Aug. 15, 2006 (www.catholic.org)  –  Amidst uncertainty about the health of Fidel Castro and a temporary transferal of power to his brother, Raul, a dissident Catholic the leader has called upon Cuban authorities, the international community and peaceful opposition movements to exhibit calm reflection and responsible action in order to foster peace and unity among Cubans – both on the island and throughout the world.

Oswaldo Paya of the Christian Liberation Movement (CLM) told Cuban authorities in a statement that, “if their pronouncements and actions are oriented toward maintaining an atmosphere of peace and respect for all Cubans, then no institution, organization, or citizen will feel the need to use exclusive or offensive language, in threatening or attacking others.”

“Such attitudes,” the Catholic dissident leader said, “can lead to abuse and violence which is inconsistent with the atmosphere of respect, tolerance, and unity that Cuba needs and which all Cubans deserve by right.”

“Cubans have the right and the need to think and talk about their lives and their future with confidence and serenity – knowing how to listen and showing respect for neighbor and for order,” Paya stated. He called on the European Union and governments in the western hemisphere, including the United States, and the rest of the world to contribute “to an atmosphere of peace and serenity among all Cubans and, as much as possible, to understanding and dialogue among Cubans.”