McCain: "The embargo must stay"

John McCain just pledged fidelty to the embargo against Cuba and delivered a jab to Barack Obama, whom he ridiculed for suggesting he'd talk to leaders like Cuba's Raul Castro.

"An unconditional meeting with Raul Castro, an unconditional meeting with Raul Castro," McCain said, repeating the line as the crowd at the Sheraton Miami Mart booed and whistled. "My administration will press the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners unconditionally, to legalize all political parties, labor unions, and free media, and to schedule internationally monitored elections. The embargo must stay in place until these basic elements of democratic society are met."

He also pledged to give more "assistance and moral support" to dissidents, including a boost to Radio and TV Marti.

He also vows to prosecute Cuban officials "implicated in the murder of Americans" - a nod to a push by Cuban-American activists to indict those involved in the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown.

He also criticized Obama - and Hillary Clinton - for opposing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

"The failure of the Congress to take up and approve this agreement is a reminder why 80 percent of Americans think we are on the wrong track," he said. "Congress can find time to pass a pork-filled farm bill, but it cannot stir itself to support a key ally and further American prosperity."

Comments

[Tony Sep]

I'm a cuban american independant. I tend to vote republican because I agree with their position on most the issue's. That said, their position on meeting with Casto is not something that I agree with. What's good for China should be good for Cuba.

[John]

Do you comprehend simple economics?
Cuba isnt China!!!!!!!
Cuba is system is similar to North Koreas ...not china!!!!
China has private property rights etc.......