Compact with the People of Cuba

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Cuba Declining U.S. Humanitarian Team Offer for Second Time

Washington (Sept. 11)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement after a second U.S. offer for a humanitarian assessment team was turned down: “The safety and welfare of the Cuban people is our highest concern in the wake of hurricanes Gustav and Ike and although the Cuban Government has declined the offer of a humanitarian assessment team, we remain willing to send one. We are evaluating how best to provide additional humanitarian relief for Cuban victims of this disaster.” (More)