PRI-independent party: Concertación condones dictatorship in Cuba with Bachelet’s visit

SANTIAGO.- As President Michelle Bachelet goes about her diplomatic activities in Cuba, deputies from the PRI-independent party expressed harsh criticism for the government's decision to not include in the agenda a meeting with dissenters, claiming that with this trip the Concertación is endorsing dictatorship on the island.

"The Concertación has had a double standard when it comes to Human Rights topics. They condone the Cuban dictatorship with the Head of State’s visit to the island, refusing to also meet with those who are against Castro’s authoritarianism", accused party leader Pedro Araya.

The parliamentarian added that "as independent representatives, we do not have a double standard when it comes to democracy and Human Rights, and we believe it is important to make our voices heard and demand a more active stance on the part of Chile so that democracy may arrive to Cuba, so that civil and political rights may be expanded on the island".