CUBA - EU COUNCIL CONCLUSION

CUBA - EU COUNCIL CONCLUSION
2007-06-19.

18.VI.2007.

CUBA - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. Although the political, economic and social system in Cuba remains
essentially unchanged, the Council has registered the first temporary
transfer of power in 48 years from Fidel Castro to a collective
leadership led by his brother Raul Castro which constitutes a new
situation. The Council urges the Cuban Government to undertake the
necessary political and economic reforms for improving the daily life of
the Cuban people.

2. The EU is following political developments in Cuba, including the
human rights situation, very closely. The Council deplores that the
human rights situation has not fundamentally changed, despite a decrease
in the number of political prisoners and acts of harassment. The Cuban
Government continues to deny its citizens internationally recognized
civil, political and economic rights and freedoms. The EU once again
urges the Cuban Government, also in Cuba's capacity as a member of the
Human Rights Council, to release unconditionally all political
prisoners, and reaffirms that this issue constitutes a key priority in
its policy towards Cuba. The EU also reiterates its call on the Cuban
Government to grant freedom of information and expression and invites
the Cuban Government to cooperate on this matter.

3. All those peacefully committed to freedom, democracy and respect for
universal human rights may be assured of the solidarity and continued
support of the EU. The EU will continue to pursue its dialogue with
Cuba's civil society and to offer to all sectors of society practical
support towards peaceful change in Cuba. In this context, the Council
stresses the EU's worldwide policy of support to Human Rights Defenders
according to the respective EU Guidelines.

4. The EU recognizes the right of the Cuban citizens to decide
independently about their future and remains ready to contribute
positively to the future development of all sectors of Cuban society,
including through development cooperation instruments.

5. While equally maintaining its intensive dialogue with civil society
and the peaceful opposition, the EU would be ready to resume a
comprehensive and open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities on
all topics of mutual interest. This dialogue should include the whole
range of potential fields of co-operation, including in the political,
human rights, economic, scientific and cultural spheres. It should take
place on a reciprocal and nondiscriminatory basis. In the context of
this dialogue, the EU will outline to the Cuban Government its views on
democracy, universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. For sounding
out this, a Cuban delegation will be invited to Brussels."

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