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Vaclav Havel writes to Cuban youth
By Cuban Democratic Directorate

Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy in Cuba receives important letter

April 18^th, 2006 – Former Czech President Vaclav Havel, has written a letter to the Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy (CYMD), headed by Néstor Rodríguez Lobaina, in which he offers solidarity with the efforts of the Cuban youth to attain democracy in their country.

“Once again you have reminded me that the human yearning for liberty cannot be tied to any political doctrine, or be silenced by political repression… As you may know, the Velvet Revolution in former Czechoslovakia was moved by ideals of liberty defended precisely by the students. That is why I applaud your project, “University Students without Borders” (Universitarios sin Fronteras) and within the framework of the International Committee for Democracy in Cuba, I will collaborate so that you may establish contacts with universities and youth organizations in Europe,” wrote Havel.

The young members of the CYMD had sent a letter to the former president, and upon receiving the response, Néstor Rodríguez Lobaina commented, “This response constitutes an affirmation of the solidarity of the Czechs with the Cuban people’s struggle for liberty.”

Original text of Havel’s letter is attached below

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Václav Havel

Reply to Cuban Youth Movement for Democracy

Prague, April 12th, 2006

Dear friends,

I appreciate those encouraging words that I receive from you. Once again you have reminded me that the human yearning for liberty cannot be tied to any political doctrine, or be silenced by political repression. I value the efforts which you have dedicated for many years to remove the academic sector from isolation, since it is essentially grounded in free thought and in the art of critical discussion, which should also form part of practical politics. Plus, they are precisely the values that most threaten totalitarianism, which is why it is no wonder that these are the ones it tries to silence first. As you may know, the Velvet Revolution in former Czechoslovakia was moved by ideals of liberty defended precisely by the students. That is why I applaud your project, “University Students without Borders” (Universitarios sin Fronteras) and within the framework of the International Committee for Democracy in Cuba, I will collaborate so that you may establish contacts with universities and youth organizations in Europe

Cordially,

Václav Havel

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