Florida Senator Mel Martinez, a tireless critic of the Cuban government, announced Friday that he was resigning his seat to move into the "next phase" of his life, reported the dpa. The Republican is a strong advocate for Cuban dissidents and backed tough policies designed to pressure the government in Havana under Fidel and Raul Castro. Martinez, 62, immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1962 and went on to build a career in politics and government. "As a US senator, I have also had a platform to speak against the oppression of the Cuban regime and my hope for a better future for the people of Cuba," he said while announcing his retirement. Martinez said he will stay on the job until the governor of Florida appoints a successor. Martinez had announced in December that he would not seek re-election when his term ends in 2011. He has served in the Senate since 2005.
