March 26,2003

Baucus to Address U.S. Engagement of Cuba at Carter Center

Senator Working to End Sanctions and Promote Democracy in Cuba

Event:  U.S. Senator Max Baucus to speak at The Carter Center in Atlanta to discuss U.S. Engagement of Cuba

Open to the Press; Q&A Following Speech

Date:  Friday April 4, 2003 11 a.m.

Location:  The Carter Center, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA -- Entrance # 3

Background:  U.S. Senator Max Baucus, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee,will speak at the Carter Center on April 4 to discuss normalizing economic relations and openinga dialogue between the United States and Cuba.

“It is time for 40 years of failed policy to come to an end,” Baucus said. “The people ofCuba are suffering under a totalitarian regime that 40 years of sanctions have done nothing toalleviate. Given the recent reports of detentions of Cuba citizens, it is more important than everto promote democracy in the region. Throughout the years, former President Carter has played alarge role in promoting human rights in Cuba and across the globe. I can think of no moreappropriate location to address ending harmful sanctions against Cuba than the Carter Center inAtlanta.”

On February 13, 2003, Baucus introduced legislation that would seek to lift the tradeembargo against Cuba, graduate Cuba from Jackson-Vanik, and remove travel restrictionsbetween the two countries. In addition, on March 21, 2003, Baucus joined a bipartisan group ofsenators to form a “Senate Working Group on Cuba.” The goal of the group is to fully examineU.S. policies toward Cuba and determine the steps Congress can take to increase trade andstrengthen the relationship between the two countries.

“One of the most effective ways to encourage democracy is by exposing people to all ofthe benefits of a free and open society. I look forward to discussing ways to open doors in Cubaand will continue to work in the Finance Committee to push legislation forward.”