In reality the most important aspects of the anti-Castro positions of  Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas is not what he says but what he does.  One can appreciate his capacity for perverse cynicism in his use of political semantics when he expresses that Project Varela - a project designed basically to bring down Cuba's Socialist government and replace it with a capitalist government submissive to Washington - is compatible with the Cuban Constitution and the Socialist State. 

Although he tries to hide his real thoughts and plans from time to time he slips up and his real intentions and thoughts are revealed. 

In an interview with the Czech paper Hospodarske Noviny, at the time of the saga of Elian Gonzalez, for example, Paya refused to comment on the case of Elian Gonzalez arguing that the families both in the US and Cuba had politically manipulated the case.  It is highly offensive to criticize the just and dignified posture taken by the father and the grandparents of the little boy, when they, along with the Cuban people took steps to have him return.  The criminal actions taken by the so called family in Miami, all under the banner of the anti-Castro Cuban Americans, were rejected not only by the majority of the American people but the world as well.

It seems that in gratitude for the hospitality Paya had received in Miami by the promoters and the accomplices in the kidnapping of the little boy, he made a mistake in judgment. 

Another of his questionable position which often places him in an embarrassing position is his stance on the US financial and economic embargo against Cuba.  The "defender of human rights" has abstained from openly condemning the embargo; he has said less in asking for the end of the embargo.  In an article, dated December 17, 2002, by the news agency AFP, Paya declared that the, "solution to the Cuban problem is not the embargo".  This statement came precisely in a time where the embargo was being questioned by the people and governments of the world.  In making this statement Paya is doing two things: he is making the question of the embargo as one of not having importance and therefore making it as an acceptable thing.  When he was asked, in article published by the Miami Herald, in January of 2003, on whether he had asked anything of the Secretary of State Collin Powell during their meeting in Washington, he declared, "we did not come to ask for any measures; we did not ask for anything".  When asked by a Washington Times reporter on whether he had talked about the embargo, Paya confirmed what he had said before: "I did not come here to lobby or to petition the US in regards to US-Cuba relations."  By his own words it was clear that Paya did not ask, in his 20 minute long conversation with Powell, for the end of the embargo.  If he would have done so it would have been seen as a gesture of defense of the human rights of the Cuban people; as the Cuban people has had to endure a genocidal embargo for more than four decades.  It is easy for Paya to take this position as he and other so called "dissidents" not only receive generous compensation from the US government but enjoy the benefits of the Cuban revolution in the form of free education, free health, among other things; without any discrimination the mercenaries are afforded the same benefits as the Cuban people.  When asked in a news conference after his meeting with Powell, a direct question on his position with respect to the embargo, he responded, "We feel that the topic has polarized the Cuban issue and that it should be replaced by a more important topic: the need for democratic changes in Cuba".  Later, as he seemed to be annoyed at having the issue of the embargo come up often, he declared, "some people are trying to sum up all the politics regarding Cuba with the embargo, the embargo is not a factor for change in Cuba".     

A key statement that further demonstrate the cynical thinking and outlook of the "leader of the opposition" was a comment he made during a conference held at the University of Georgetown in Washington, when he asked the Cubans from Miami to show prudence and moderation in their claim for their property - houses, buildings, lands confiscated by the Cuban government in the 60's and now owned by the Cuban people.  He showed how deceitful he is when he added that the clamor for their properties would be taken care of shortly after the fall of the Socialist government. It should be added that the Paya family would benefit from the claim of property.  

Another topic discussed during the conference was the initiative by the Cuban people to write in the Constitution the Fundamental Law which declares that Cuba is a Socialist state.  The action proclaiming the Socialist nature of the government was promoted by unions, social groups, students and the masses within Cuba.  This was a direct response to the speeches made by George W. Bush, on May 20, 2002, when Washington and Miami were celebrating the centennial of the rebirth of a neo-colonial republic under the auspices of the US.  As a response to the US press which classified the Fundamental Law as a reaction to  project Varela - and it's aim of making Cuba once more a neo-colony of the US - Paya spit out venom implying that the Cuban people had been forced to sign petitions and to march against the actions of Bush.      

It is important to note that in a strictly voluntary manner, various Cuban organizations were able to gather 8,198,237 signatures, a number which signifies 99.37% of the electorate in Cuba.  The mentors of the "opposition" should learn from the impressive numbers the profound significance of the meaning of democracy and the popular support for the Socialist principles consecrated in the Cuban Constitution.     

In response to the important topic in modern times, namely terrorism, Paya said nothing.  His call for support from all the "exiles" shows that he fully cooperates with even those that have perpetrated hideous crimes against the Cuban people; those who have caused the deaths and permanent injuries to thousands of Cubans. 

On the contrary Osvaldo Paya has allied himself with some of the most known Cuban-American terrorists, has allied himself with their sponsors and protectors.  He has met with them not to ask that they stop their terrorist actions against the island, but rather to convince them to support his project - a project which will see most of these criminals in power.

Further evidence that removes all doubts about the real intentions and motivations of Paya are demonstrated in his letter to former Venezuelan president  Herrera Campins - leader of one of the old corrupt traditional parties that existed in that country.  In that letter the "human rights leader" Paya expresses his solidarity with the military coup against democratically elected Hugo Chavez, on April 11, 2002, classifying the fascist actions against Chavez as heroic.  Without wasting much time Paya wrote a letter on April 12, stating, "Knowing the dramatic moments your country is going thru I decided to write this letter this night, to show my solidarity and total support for your actions.  Before the break of dawn Venezuelans with their heroism had decided the turn of events.  I beg that you send Mr. Pedro Carmona, Provisional President, our respect and support, along with the following message:

To the heroic people of Venezuela:

From Cuba we express our deepest admiration and solidarity at this time when you have rescued your sovereignty and your future.  It is truly amazing to see in epic proportion the valor, the strength and the love of liberty that you have shown.  

With these actions you have stopped your nation from being trapped in a dictatorship, and have avoided a long road made of shadows which would enslave Venezuela.  You have avoided bloodshed, suffering, hunger, hate and fear.  You have rescued liberty and democracy...".    

Osvaldo Paya must have enjoyed immensely the first measures implemented by the military government of Pedro Carmosa, as they mirrored the intentions of his transitional government for Cuba.  

These are his real sentiments, his real thoughts.  The valiant and dignified conduct of the people of Venezuela in the face of the coup attempt, is an example of the response that awaits people like Paya. 

Finally, it should be noted that months after Paya supported the military coup in Venezuela, the European Parliament awarded him the * Sajarov Human Rights Prize.    

Translated from Rebelión

* Cuba Socialista adds:  With this prize came a cash award of $50,000.  Not bad money for someone who lives in a country where rent costs $1 per month, where health is free and where food is subsidized.  Paya has two living rooms.  One is the front living room which is modestly furnished.  It is this living room where he holds his meetings and press conferences.  The other living room in the back which only a few get to see is expensively furnished, it is equipped with a new television, VCR and stereo.