News Release, March 14, 2001

DIAZ-BALART ASKS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO GHANA TO INTERCEDE ON BEHALF OF CUBAN REFUGEE FAMILY

Washington, DC - Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) sent a letter today to the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Kathryn Dee Robinson, requesting her immediate assistance in helping to secure political asylum for a Cuban refugee family currently hiding in Accra, Ghana.

Dr, Rene Vicente Acosta Trujillo, his wife, Tania Lemus and their two children, Jessica Acosta (age 3) and Osamani Lemus (age 10) were interviewed yesterday, March 13th,  by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for political asylum.

Following please find the text of the letter sent today by Congressman Diaz-Balart to U.S. Ambassador Kathryn Dee Robinson:

"This is to request your urgent assistance on behalf of a Cuban refugee family currently in hiding in Ghana.  They are Dr. Rene Vicente Acosta Trujillo, his wife, Tania Lemus, and their two children Jessica Acosta (age 3) and Osmani Lemus (age 10). Dr.  Acosta was working in South Africa until six months ago, under orders from the Castro regime, when he decided to seek freedom with his family.  It is my understanding that they have been in hiding ever since for fear that Cuban agents may forcefully return them to Cuba.  Cuban professionals who defect are considered traitors by the Castro regime are subjected to incarceration and other severe reprisals.  Understandably Dr. Acosta is greatly concerned for the safety and well-being of his family.

Dr. Acosta and his family were interviewed yesterday by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.  I am informed that their case is under consideration for asylum.  I ask that you intervene to assure that their case is carefully evaluated and that all possible steps are taken to protect this family.

Thank you for your attention to this matter of utmost importance."