Serrano Praises John Kerry's 'Historic'

Puerto Rico Position Paper

Washington, DC
, June 15, 2004—Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) has expressed his strong support for Senator John Kerry’s new position paper on
Puerto Rico
, calling it “historic” and “a major step forward.”

            The paper, which includes a set of proposals related to
Puerto Rico
’s permanent status and economic development, states that “
Puerto Rico
remains an unincorporated territory of the and its ultimate political status remains undetermined.  Its 3.9 million residents do not have voting representation in the government that makes their national laws.”

Serrano, the most senior Member of Congress of Puerto Rican origin, responded enthusiastically to Kerry’s paper, stating that “John Kerry has released a historic statement that shows he cares about
Puerto Rico
’s economic development and understands that
Puerto Rico
’s current political status leaves the island without real democratic representation.  Puerto Ricans are subject to a body of federal laws passed in
Washington
by a government in which they do not have voting representation—a situation that underscores the island’s colonial status.  Unfortunately, very few politicians of Senator Kerry’s stature have voiced concerns over
Puerto Rico
’s lack of real representation and he is to be applauded for drawing attention to this vitally important issue. 

“For my own part, I would only reiterate my long-held feeling that when Puerto Ricans are eventually allowed to decide on the island’s ‘final status,’ they should choose between statehood and independence and not consider continuing the island’s current colonial/territorial status.  Puerto Ricans deserve the right to real self-determination, and the current situation is unacceptably undemocratic. 

“I enthusiastically applaud the sensitivity and leadership that John Kerry has shown in helping to bring attention to the political and economic plight of
Puerto Rico
and its people.  He’ll make a terrific President and I look forward to working with him to advance the cause of Puerto Rican development, democracy, and self-determination.”