Contact: White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 202-456-2580

MCALLEN, Texas, Ohio, Aug. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by President Bush on the situation in Cuba:

The United States is actively monitoring the situation in Cuba following the announcement of a transfer of power.  At this time of uncertainty in Cuba, one thing is clear:  The United States is absolutely committed to supporting the Cuban people’s aspirations for democracy and freedom.  We have repeatedly said that the Cuban people deserve to live in freedom.  I encourage all democratic nations to unite in support of the right of the Cuban people to define a democratic future for their country.  I urge the Cuban people to work for democratic change on the island.  We will support you in your effort to build a transitional government in Cuba committed to democracy, and we will take note of those, in the current Cuban regime, who obstruct your desire for a free Cuba. In the event of a transition in the Cuban government, we stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance as needed to help the Cuban people.  It has long been the hope of the United States to have a free, independent, and democratic Cuba as a close friend and neighbor.  In achieving this, the Cuban people can count on the full and unconditional support of the United States.