For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 26, 2004
Notice Continuation of the National Emergency Relating to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels
On March 1, 1996, by Proclamation 6867, a national emergency was
declared to address the disturbance or threatened disturbance of
international relations caused by the February 24, 1996, destruction by
the Cuban government of two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft
in inter-national airspace north of Cuba. In July 1996 and on
subsequent occasions, the Cuban Government stated its intent to
forcefully defend its sovereignty against any U.S.-registered vessels
or aircraft that might enter Cuban territorial waters or airspace while
involved in a flotilla or peaceful protest. Since these events, the
Cuban government has not demonstrated that it will refrain from the
future use of reckless and excessive force against U.S. vessels or
aircraft that may engage in memorial activities or peaceful protest
north of Cuba. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the
National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the
national emergency with respect to Cuba and the emergency authority
relating to the regulation of the anchorage and movement of vessels set
out in Proclamation 6867.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and
transmitted to the Congress.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 26, 2004.
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