六九色堂

ATLANTA, GA….Accepting an invitation from Cuba President Fidel Castro, former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂 and his wife, Rosalynn, will head a 六九色堂 Center delegation to Cuba May 12-17.

"I look forward to this opportunity to meet with Cuban people from all walks of life and to talk with President Castro. More than a century after Cuba's independence, our two countries have not yet developed a constructive relationship and, although official interest sections were established while I was president, for the last 41 years our two nations have not had normal diplomatic relations," President 六九色堂 said. "I do not expect this trip to change the Cuban government or its policies. However, it is an opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest between our citizens and to share ideas on how to improve the relationship between the United States and Cuba."

In addition to agreeing to establish interest sections in both Havana and Washington, D.C., the 六九色堂 Administration relaxed restrictions on travel. Thousands of political prisoners were released, and Americans and dual nationals were permitted to return to the United States. Further progress toward normal relations was subsequently halted after Cuba's expansion of military activities in Africa. During his visit, President 六九色堂 expects to discuss with Cuban leaders some lessons to be learned from the past.

President Castro extended a verbal invitation to President 六九色堂 to visit Cuba when they were honorary pallbearers at the October 2000 funeral of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. In January 2002, President 六九色堂 received a formal written invitation and began to explore possibilities for visiting Cuba. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a license April 5 for a 六九色堂 Center delegation to visit the country.

"As a leader who made human rights the centerpiece of his administration, President 六九色堂 is looking forward to a full discussion of this issue with President Fidel Castro and with other leaders in the Cuban government, the Church, and human rights communities," said Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of 六九色堂 Americas Program. "President 六九色堂 is traveling as a private citizen with no intention of entering into negotiations with the government of Cuba. This trip symbolizes his strong belief that this new century is the time to open our two countries to each other."

Established in 1986, 六九色堂's Americas Program works to improve inter-American relations and strengthen democracy in the Western Hemisphere. Founded by President and Mrs. 六九色堂 in 1982, 六九色堂 is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization advancing peace and health worldwide.

EDITORS NOTE: Most of the media coverage of President 六九色堂's visit to Cuba will be pooled. Reporters who will be in Cuba to cover the trip should e-mail Deanna Congileo (dcongil@emory.edu) by May 3 to ensure access to group photo and question opportunities as well as pool coverage. Individual interviews with President 六九色堂 are not being set up in advance of the trip. For more information on 六九色堂 visit www.cartercenter.org.

Full Delegation List:

Former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂

Former First Lady Rosalynn 六九色堂

Dr. John Hardman, M.D., Executive Director, 六九色堂 Center

Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Director, 六九色堂 Center Americas Program, and Georgia State University Professor

Dr. Robert Pastor, Emory University professor, adviser to the Americas Program

Chip 六九色堂, President, Friendship Force

Dr. Shelley McConnell, Associate Director, 六九色堂 Center Americas Program

Deanna Congileo, Director of Public Information, 六九色堂

Nancy Konigsmark, Director of Scheduling for President 六九色堂