[url=http://www.IndiaMonitor.com]http://www.IndiaMonitor.com[/url]

WASHINGTON: The US has indicated that it was serious about planning for a ‘peaceful’ regime change in Cuba.

The US has constituted a Commission for Assistance to identify additional means by which it could help the Cuban people bring about an ‘expeditious end of the dictatorship’ and consider the requirements for its assistance to a post-dictatorship Cuba, a White House release issued here Monday said.

The Commission, which held its first meeting on December 5 under the chairmanship of Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Mel Martinez, would submit an initial report to the US President on May 1, 2004 regarding the recommended elements of a comprehensive programme to assist the Cuban people.

It includes bringing about a peaceful end to the dictatorship, establishment democratic institutions, respect for human rights and law, create core institutions of a free economy, modernise infrastructure and basic needs in the areas of health, education, housing and human services.

The US policy regarding Cuba is clear - hasten Cuba ‘s peaceful transition to a representative democracy and a free market economy - ending decades of ‘oppressive dictatorship,’ the release said. It went on to add that the Commission would focus the US government’s efforts on achieving this objective.