Engel Glad to See Castro Go

As a sharp contrast to Congressman Jose Serrano's statement (see below) on Fidel Castro, the other Bronx congressman who represents the West Bronx, Eliot Engel, said Castro's departure will hopefully lead to Cuba's "liberty."

Here's what Engel said in a statement yesterday:

"The resignation of Fidel Castro is another step in the transition to a free and democratic Cuba. I have stood with the Cuban people as they have faced the difficulties of the Castro regime which has been in power since 1959, and I will continue to advocate for their liberty.

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, it is my hope that today's development will spark democratic change in Cuba allowing for a renaissance in U.S.-Cuban relations. In the coming days, I will be watching carefully to see if a new generation of Cuban leaders will take advantage of this historic opportunity."

Serrano Praises Castro For Graceful Transition

While it remains unclear what Fidel Castro's decision to step aside as Cuba's top leader will mean for the United States, local Bronx Congressman Jose Serrano sees it as a positive for Cuba and Castro's legacy as an agent of change.

Here's the beginning of his statement yesterday:

"Today’s news that Fidel Castro has retired from leading his nation proves yet again that this important figure defies the attempts of his critics to paint him simply as a power-hungry authoritarian. Instead, it proves that Castro sees clearly the long-term interests of the Cuban people and recognizes that they are best served by a carefully planned transition. Few leaders, having been on the front lines of history so long, would be able to voluntarily step aside in favor of a new, younger generation. In taking this action, Castro is ensuring that the changes he brought about will live on and grow."

Click here for the rest of the statement.