Raúl's daughter on gays and 'democracy'

In London to attend Gay Pride Day, Mariela Castro, director of the National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) and daughter of the Cuban president, was interviewed last weekend by BBC World. Excerpts follow:
[...] How long before a Gay Pride Parade is staged in Havana?
I don't know. We Cubans don't like to imitate formulas from other places. We like to learn from other experiences but prefer to create other strategies. We don't march for gay pride. We stage educational and artistic events to seek respect for free sexual orientation and gender identity.
Is there space [in Cuba] for the discussion of all kind of topics?
In Cuba there is space for discussion, but the communications media say something else. [...]
Amnesty International denounces that in Cuba there is no space for freedom of expression. In fact, there are 57 prisoners of conscience.
Let me explain to you. In Cuba, there is freedom of expression because we Cubans say everything that comes into our mind. Who silences a Cuban? No one has, so far.
We have the same problems about freedom of the press that the whole world has. Now, the persons you refer to, their problem is not freedom of expression. They are paid by a power that wishes to dominate Cuba. They are mercenaries. Throughout the world, mercenaries are harshly punished.
The Cuban government said it is willing to turn them over to the United States so long as [the U.S.] returns to us the five Cuban heroes who were unjustly imprisoned for exposing the plans of state terrorism against the Cuban people that are historically organized there.
These mercenaries collaborate for that. It is not for freedom of expression. [...] For serving a foreign power that wishes to dominate Cuba and for receiving salary to do that. That was demonstrated with ample evidence.
Cuban President Raúl Castro has opened a space for discussion or reflection in the country. What have they said about democracy?
Democracy is still an invention that is being experimented on everywhere, in line with the interests of the dominant class. I think that democracy is still an abstract word that we all have to fight to turn into reality.
[...] What type of democracy does Cuba need?
I believe that Cuba needs a socialist, participative democracy.
And a multiparty system?
I don't believe in the multiparty system. I believe in the diversity of opinions, in a participation where we all contribute elements. The multiparty system is a falsehood intended to make you believe that you have democracy. So far, the multiparty system has not guaranteed democracy. [...] So, we have to continue to formulate new ideas in search of democracy.
To read the entire interview, in Spanish, click here. For an English translation, click here.

Comments

[Down with Dicatators]

Typical communist party line propaganda from this woman. The five Cuban spies will serve their full sentence, as they should.