2008 U.S. - EU Summit Declaration

George W. Bush; Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa
and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
June 10, 2008, at Brdo Castle in Kranji, Slovenia.
Foto/AP by Pablo Martínez

Foto/Reuters

We will continue to work together and in collaboration with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, to spread the benefits of democracy in the Western Hemisphere; to promote economic opportunity and social development; to uphold democratic institutions and human rights; and to enhance security. We encourage democratic processes in the countries of the region consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. We welcome Cuba’s signing of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and urge the government to ratify the Covenant and demonstrate its commitment by unconditionally releasing all political prisoners. We will work together to support human rights, democratic values and an active civil society and the continued exercise of freedom of expression throughout the region. We condemn the taking of hostages in any circumstances whatsoever and call on illegal armed groups to release all hostages. (more)