News Release; October 20, 1999

Diaz-Balart Urges Medical Delegation  Traveling to Cuba to Inquire Into  Disparate Treatment of Cubans  vs. Tourists

Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) sent the following letter today to Dr. Lisa Thornton, Director of Pediatrics of "La Rabida Children’s Hospital" in Chicago, Illinois with regard to her upcoming trip to Cuba accompanying Governor Ryan of Illinois from October 23 to 27:

Dear Dr. Thornton:

According to a press advisory issued by Governor George H. Ryan, you will be participating in the delegation that is scheduled to be in Cuba on October 23-27. After reviewing the sites the delegation plans to tour, it appears that mostly all of your contact will be with government officials.

My office is currently attempting to assist a 2 year old Cuban boy, Christian Prieto Sideris, who suffered neurological damage after falling from a second floor in his home on June 5, 1999. Christian has been denied medical treatment at CIMEX Hospital, the only hospital in Havana equipped to provide the medical care he needs. The physician advised Christian's family that because he is Cuban and that hospital only treats tourists with American dollars, he could not continue his treatment.

I would urge you during your visit to inquire about Christian, and visit with him and his family, to learn first-hand the reality of today's Cuba, where members of the government hierarchy and tourists with dollars have access to the best goods and services, while the Cuban people are subjected to discrimination, oppression and misery.

Christian resides at Ave. 57 #10618 entre 106 y 108, Marianao, La Habana, Cuba, along with his parents, Carlos Prieto and Ileana Sideris Borges, who may be reached at 011-537-20-0558.

Sincerely,

Lincoln Diaz-Balart