First Lady chats with Cuba’s Ladies in White

First Lady Laura Bush spoke with members of Cuban human rights group the Ladies in White yesterday. Little has been revealed over the substance of their discussion, though in a press release Bush highlighted the “courage and determination” shown by the women.

Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez (who was born in Havana) was with Bush during the meeting and in a recent editorial he (naturally) blasted the Chavez regime:

The crisis in Cuba is far from over. We know the Cuban people are still hurting and in need. The American people are generous and we will continue to explore other ways to provide aid to the citizens of Cuba…Until these prisoners of conscience are released, every Sunday the Ladies in White will continue silently to voice their protests. And the people of the United States will stand by their side.

The "Ladies in White" have held weekly protests in Cuba calling for the liberation of 75 jailed dissidents. The Cuban government has been highly critical of the group and they have faced arrest several times.

According to BBC News the group issued months ago an open letter backing presidential candidate Barack Obama’s call for having talks with Raul Castro.

Image- daylife.com (“Members of the Cuban group 'Ladies in White' walk down Fifth Avenue in Havana, Sunday, May 13, 2007, on Mother's Day.”)
Sources- The Latin Americanist, BBC News, Christian Science Monitor, whitehouse.gov, sacbee.com