Defining The Issues Series
An Institute for Policy Studies Briefing

Bush Administration Intensifies Threats toward Cuba

On Wednesday, June 2nd, 2004 at 12:30pm the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) will host a briefing on the new measures against Cuba recommended by the US State Department. The discussion will be recorded and broadcast on Pacifica Radio Network stations across the country. Panelists will discuss the new developments in U.S.-Cuba relations and explain their implications. This is the third installment of the 2004 Defining The Issues Series.

On May 20, the Bush Administration released the findings of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba. The findings of the commission will go into effect in June and will essentially become US policy toward Cuba. CAFC wants to eliminate all general travel to visit Cuban relatives; eliminate high school student exchange programs; and limit the content of all parcels to Cuba to medicine, medical supplies, and receive-only radios and more.

For 90 minutes in the IPS conference room Cuban experts will examine the impact of US policies toward Cuba on both the human rights of Cubans and the civil rights of Americans. The program will bring together analysts and activists for a comprehensive review of what has led to the current situation, including the recent UN resolution regarding human rights in Cuba.

What: Briefing on Cuba
When: June 2nd, 12:30pm-2:00 p.m. (Cameras and recording devices are welcome)
Where: Institute For Policy Studies, 733 15th St., NW, Washington, D.C., Ste 1020

Speakers:
Mavis Anderson, Latin American Working Group
Jamila Thompson - Congresswoman Barbara Lee's office
Walter Teague - No War On Cuba Movement
James Early - Chair, Institute for Policy Studies

Defining The Issues is a bi-weekly, discussion with a live audience. The program is broadcasts on Pacifica Radio Network Stations across the country. Over the next few months IPS will play host to nationally known speakers, such as Ralph Nader, Howard Zinn, Saul Landau, Barbara Ehrenreich, Kurt Vonnegut, Molly Ivins, and Nat Hentoff. The programs will also bring to the table the politically conservative voices. Previous guests included Arianna Huffington and Michael Edwards.

The Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) is the nation's oldest multi-issue progressive think tank. Since 1963, the Institute has played key roles in social movements to forge viable and sustainable policies to promote democracy, justice, human rights, and diversity. For more information about the Institute visit www.ips-dc.org

Audio of this 58 minute presentation is downloadable at http://www.ips-dc.org/radio/