Cuban delegation invited to Brussels
Front page / World
06/18/2007 19:14 Source: AP ©
The European Union reached out to the new Cuban government, inviting a
delegation to Brussels for "open political dialogue".
The EU said the temporary transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his
brother Raul the first change of power in 48 years constituted a "new
situation" and said it was ready to resume discussion with Cuban
authorities on political, human rights and economic issues.
It decided not to reactivate its sanctions against Cuba, which were put
on hold in 2005. But it reiterated its call on authorities to release
political prisoners and grant freedom of expression and information to
Cuban citizens. It also said it would continue its support for
dissidents and the civil society.
The EU imposed diplomatic sanctions on Cuba in 2003, after authorities
there detained 75 dissidents accused of working with the United States
to undermine Fidel Castro's government. Cuban authorities then released
16 for medical reasons, and in January, 2005 the EU suspended the
measures, restoring diplomatic relations and scrapping its ban on talks
with Cuban officials.
The invitation which the EU said was broadly based and not addressed to
any particular individuals is part of the EU's drive to improve
relations with Cuba, strained for years over human rights issues.
"We'll see if they show up, and if so, what the talks will bring," Czech
Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said during a meeting of EU foreign
ministers.
Spain is leading efforts to improve relations with Havana, while
countries such as Britain, the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden have
been more guarded, insisting that the EU only fully normalize its ties
with Cuba after civil and political freedoms are granted to all citizens.
The EU is adamant that if the Cubans accept the invitation, they must
also agree to discussing human rights, political prisoners and
democratization of the island. Equally, the union wants all officials
from its member states visiting Cuba to raise these issues with the
government.
Many governments and rights organizations around the world accuse Cuba
of violating liberties by jailing critics and limiting speech and media
freedoms.
The Cuban government rejects those charges, saying it respects human
rights more than most nations by offering a wide social safety net that
includes free health care. Havana dismisses outspoken critics and
dissidents as "mercenaries" of the United States.
It was not immediately clear if Cuba would accept the EU's approach
although diplomats said a framework for the visit has already been
discussed.
http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/18-06-2007/93553-Cuba_Brussels-0
Front page / World
06/18/2007 19:14 Source: AP ©
The European Union reached out to the new Cuban government, inviting a
delegation to Brussels for "open political dialogue".
The EU said the temporary transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his
brother Raul the first change of power in 48 years constituted a "new
situation" and said it was ready to resume discussion with Cuban
authorities on political, human rights and economic issues.
It decided not to reactivate its sanctions against Cuba, which were put
on hold in 2005. But it reiterated its call on authorities to release
political prisoners and grant freedom of expression and information to
Cuban citizens. It also said it would continue its support for
dissidents and the civil society.
The EU imposed diplomatic sanctions on Cuba in 2003, after authorities
there detained 75 dissidents accused of working with the United States
to undermine Fidel Castro's government. Cuban authorities then released
16 for medical reasons, and in January, 2005 the EU suspended the
measures, restoring diplomatic relations and scrapping its ban on talks
with Cuban officials.
The invitation which the EU said was broadly based and not addressed to
any particular individuals is part of the EU's drive to improve
relations with Cuba, strained for years over human rights issues.
"We'll see if they show up, and if so, what the talks will bring," Czech
Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said during a meeting of EU foreign
ministers.
Spain is leading efforts to improve relations with Havana, while
countries such as Britain, the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden have
been more guarded, insisting that the EU only fully normalize its ties
with Cuba after civil and political freedoms are granted to all citizens.
The EU is adamant that if the Cubans accept the invitation, they must
also agree to discussing human rights, political prisoners and
democratization of the island. Equally, the union wants all officials
from its member states visiting Cuba to raise these issues with the
government.
Many governments and rights organizations around the world accuse Cuba
of violating liberties by jailing critics and limiting speech and media
freedoms.
The Cuban government rejects those charges, saying it respects human
rights more than most nations by offering a wide social safety net that
includes free health care. Havana dismisses outspoken critics and
dissidents as "mercenaries" of the United States.
It was not immediately clear if Cuba would accept the EU's approach
although diplomats said a framework for the visit has already been
discussed.
http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/18-06-2007/93553-Cuba_Brussels-0
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