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Activists To Shoot Fireworks Off The Coast Of Havana

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – To mark the United Nation's International Human Rights Day, a coalition of Cuban exile groups plans to shoot fireworks off the coast of Havana to bring attention to the rights violations committed by the Cuban government.

The protesters, led by organizer Ramon Saul Sanchez, say they will follow U.S. Department of State warnings not to enter Cuban territory, which begins 12 miles offshore. They added that their demonstration on Friday is not meant as a provocation to the Cuban government.

Sanchez said the groups want to show peaceful solidarity with Cuban activists. They also hope the act will pique the curiosity of Cubans on the island.

Coast Guard Spokeswoman Marilyn Fajardo said her agency will have patrols in the area but would not interfere with legitimate law enforcement action by the Cuban government.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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