Former Cuban officer Orestes Lorenzo Pérez (Major), an ex-pilot of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) who defected to Miami by stealing a regime aircraft, has commented on the presence in the United States of former pilot Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez (Lieutenant Colonel), involved in the shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes.
In an interview with Juan Manuel Cao, Lorenzo said he has known González-Pardo since they studied aviation in the former USSR during the 1970s. "His first visit to Miami was in 2017. I interceded with the U.S. Embassy in Havana to get him a visa because he wanted a reunion with our initial group of pilots. The meeting was supposed to take place at my house," Lorenzo stated.
"It is absolutely true that he participated in the shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes. There is no doubt. He was the pilot with the call sign 22 and was the one who chased José Basulto," Lorenzo confirmed, noting that he has known this since 2017.
Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez and Orestes Lorenzo Pérez reunited in the United States in 2019, and according to Lorenzo, they have not maintained contact since then. González-Pardo was reportedly on an official visit to the U.S.
This week, journalist Mario J. Pentón revealed a fragment of an internal State Department document requesting to expedite the consular interview for military pilot Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez to secure a second tourist visa to the U.S., where he later settled with Humanitarian Parole.
"González-Pardo Rodríguez was a key figure for the United States due to his position as head of Terminal 2 at Havana International Airport (the one designated for the Cuban community abroad)," Pentón warned. Lorenzo said that if this is true, it would help him decide whether González-Pardo is a Cuban State Security agent.
Why Did Lorenzo Invite González-Pardo to the United States?
"I would like to invite every Cuban military member to the United States to show them what this country is, what a state of rights is, what freedom is, and try to have them return to Cuba with those experiences to share with their families and colleagues because it's the only way we can aspire to have a new country," Lorenzo explained.
"Justice must be served in Cuba for the crime of the assassination of the Brothers to the Rescue pilots, but that justice won't come until the regime is out of power. We know it won't leave unless forced out, and the people, even if they take to the streets, don't have the arms. The future of Cuba will depend on the participation of the Armed Forces. I hope they side with the people when the time comes. That is my purpose," he added.
Lorenzo urged the U.S. government to present a second-by-second animation of the events surrounding the shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes. He asserted that the voice recordings exist and are in the hands of both governments, but only a detailed analysis can confirm whether González-Pardo lied to avoid killing Basulto or if he didn't do it because he didn't receive the order.
Key Issues Surrounding the Brothers to the Rescue Incident
In light of the recent revelations, several questions arise regarding the involvement of Luis Raúl González-Pardo and the broader implications of the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who is Orestes Lorenzo Pérez?
Orestes Lorenzo Pérez is a former Major of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of Cuba who defected to Miami by stealing a regime aircraft. He has been vocal about issues related to the Cuban regime.
What is the significance of Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez’s involvement in the Brothers to the Rescue incident?
Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez was a pilot involved in the shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, an event that led to the deaths of several pilots and increased tensions between Cuba and the United States.
Why did Lorenzo invite González-Pardo to the United States?
Lorenzo invited González-Pardo to show him what life in a free country is like, with the hope that he would return to Cuba and share those experiences, contributing to a potential transformation in the country.
What are the potential implications of the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown for Cuba’s future?
The shootdown is seen as a significant event that underscores the need for justice and change in Cuba. Lorenzo believes that the future of Cuba depends on the Armed Forces siding with the people against the regime.