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MIAMI, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2002) –
Czech Republic President Václav Havel will visit Florida
International University on Monday, Sept. 23 to give a lecture
expected to focus on human rights issues related to Cuba.
Havel, who led what became known as the “Velvet Revolution”
in his country in 1989, peacefully separating it from the Soviet
Union, has become known worldwide for defending human rights in
his homeland and abroad. As early as 1990, Havel’s administration
began supporting United Nations sanctions on the Castro regime
based on its human rights record. Czech diplomats in Havana have
also reached out to political dissidents on the island.
Electronic media interested in covering Havel’s presentation,
the panel discussion and the ensuing media availability, should
plan on having equipment in place by 8 a.m. on Monday so that
it may be cleared by security.
FIU will provide simultaneous translation from Czech to English
and Spanish that may be used by broadcast media. Please call Maydel
Santana-Bravo at (305) 348-1555 on Friday to discuss any concerns
and specific needs.
Journalists without equipment may begin to arrive along with the
ticket-holding public at 8:15 when the doors will open. The agenda
for the morning is as follows:
| 10 a.m. |
Documentary film: Voices from the Island
of Freedom |
| 10:30 a.m. |
President Havel speaks
From Communism to Democracy: The Power of the Powerless |
| 11 a.m. |
Discussion including the following panelists:
Tomas Pojar – Executive Director, People in Need Foundation
Carlos Alberto Montaner – Cuban writer and journalist
Marifeli Pérez-Stable - Professor, FIU
Jaime Suchlicki – Professor, University of Miami
Ricardo Bofill - Founder, Cuban Committee for Human Rights |
| 11:45 a.m. |
President Havel will be available to the media
for about 15 minutes in the Faculty Club, next door to the
ballrooms |
A few parking spaces will be available
to media with equipment in parking lot #2A, on the east end of
the Graham Center Ballrooms. General parking is available in the
Blue and Gold parking garages.
|