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Ready to support a Cuban Velvet Revolution

2008-04-02 / Petr Kolar

One of the first questions people ask about the importance of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights in Cuba is: What is the special connection between our countries and Cuba? Why are we -- Central European countries, no superpowers, members of the European Union, located so far away from this Caribbean island -- so involved in this ''Cuban issue''? Well, it is simple: We have been there.

The answer lies not in geography, but in history. The Czechs, as well as other nations and peoples of Central and Eastern Europe lived through an era of totalitarian communist regime, where democracy, freedom and human rights were concepts of which you could only quietly dream, while living a nightmare.

After our nations got rid of communist dictatorships, we feel obliged to tell our story: the story of a successful transition from a totalitarian regime to democracy, to civil society, which respects and honors the rights and freedoms of every individual; the story of a successful transformation of nonworkable, centrally planned economy to a vibrant free market economy with a working rule of law designed to protect people's economic interests.

The importance of our message lies not only in the fact that today we are or that we became free and democratic countries, with prosperous and growing economies. What is equally important is that this change occurred without any bloody coups, revolutions or turmoil. Everything started off with peaceful student protests, gradually supported by more and more segments of the society. The Communist police did try to suppress the attempts at the outset, but no major violence took place. That is why our revolution is known as velvet. Change in the structure of the society took place gradually and with the involvement and participation of a major part of the society. Opportunity was granted to everyone who wanted to take part in democratic changes. Thus, after the Communist Party ceased to be the only ruling mechanism and force in the state, a government was set up; one that still included some of the former communist leaders in key positions, like the prime minister or the defense minister. The old parliament elected Václav Havel, a dissident and freedom fighter, as the country's president. Then, preparations started for the first free general elections, which took place after a number of months and set a path for further political developments. Naturally, not all steps in the transition and transformation were without problems. Difficulties occurred, and we experienced ups and downs, joys and disappointments. However, judging overall, it was all worth it. The Czechs, Slovaks, as well as other oppressed nations behind the Iron Curtain in all its physical forms (be it kilometers of barbed wire, various gates, barriers or the Berlin Wall), threatened by leaders whose power did not derive from the people but from force, armed forces and armies, became free in a civilized and peaceful manner. In the light of the recent changes in Cuba, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed our hope that such a step will bring Cuba onto a path to the necessary political as well as economic reforms. The future development in Cuba should lead to the release of all prisoners of conscience, beginning of a dialogue with the opposition, and to free elections. We, the Czechs, woke up from our nightmare and started living our dreams. By our activities, we try to tell other peoples around the globe in whose shoes we used to stand of our experience. We also send them the message that their situation, however hopeless it might seem, is not carved in the stone. The Cuban people are not only the victims of their regime; they are also the active players who can bring about a change. They have a choice. The faith and destiny of their country is in their hands only. On their way to democracy and freedom, to their dream, we should be and are ready to help, if and when the people of Cuba think that our assistance is needed. Petr Kolár is ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States.

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