U.S. Department of State
96/08/22 Statement: US-Cuba Migration Accords
Office of the Spokesman


Press Statement by Glyn Davies/Acting Spokesman
August 22, 1996



                    U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords


The tragic deaths on August 12 of two Cuban nationals seeking to enter 
the United States underscores once again the need for the United States 
and Cuba to continue taking all appropriate measures to prevent 
irregular migration.  In this respect, the United States reiterates its 
full commitment to the implementation of the September 1994 and May 1995 
migration accords with Cuba.

These accords have proved successful in meeting three central goals:  
discouraging the dangerous outflow of migrants in unseaworthy vessels; 
providing protection to genuine refugees; and expanding opportunities 
for safe, legal and orderly migration from Cuba to the United States.  
As a result, many lives that would have been lost at sea have been 
saved, and many families separated for decades across the Florida 
straits have been safely reunited in the United States.

In accordance with the accords and relevant U.S. international 
obligations, the United States will continue to return Cuban migrants 
intercepted at sea who seek to enter the United States or the 
Guanatanamo Naval Base illegally.  The United States will also, in 
accordance with U.S. law, take prompt and effective law enforcement 
action against illegal activities related to illicit Cuban migration, 
including alien-smuggling and hijackings.