President Bush says the United States is committed to helping Cubans create what he calls a peaceful government.

Mr. Bush made the remarks in a statement Friday, ahead of the 104th anniversary of Cuban independence from Spain.

The president said the United States is committed to advancing the values that sustain liberty and to helping establish a just and peaceful government in Cuba.

He said the anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the generations of Cuban Americans who have contributed to the vitality, success and prosperity of the United States.

Cuba and the United States do not have diplomatic relations, but have interests sections in each other's capitals.  Under President Bush, economic sanctions against Cuba have been tightened.