A Cuban-born U.S. lawmaker strongly condemned the Obama administration late Wednesday after reports broke that President Obama plans to visit the communist country in March.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., called the move a “slap in the face” to U.S. citizens who were murdered by the Castro regime, adding that will only legitimize the Castro brothers’ repressive behavior.
“If true, it is absolutely shameful that Obama is rewarding the Castros with a visit to Cuba by a sitting American president since their reign of terror began,” Ros-Lehtinen said in a statement.
The Miami-based congresswoman said the U.S. has failed to make any progress in establishing civil liberties for those persecuted by Cuban authorities. Despite the lack of progress, Ros-Lehtinen said the Obama administration has chosen to align itself with Cuban rulers in its decision to visit the country.
“Unfortunately, this announcement encapsulates President Obama’s Cuba policy characterized by unilateral concessions and willfully neglecting to pursue American claims,” Ros-Lehtinen finished.
