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[Luxembourg 2005 Presidency of the Council of the European Union]
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Press Release
The Council of the EU has decided to constantly monitor the evolution towards democratic pluralism and respect for human rights in Cuba

Date of release : 13-06-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : General Affairs and External Relations Council


After the first working session of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held in Luxembourg on 13 June, Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign Affairs and current President of the Council of the European Union, stated regarding relations between Cuba and the EU:

"The Council has decided to reaffirm the effectiveness and the validity of the Common Position of 1996, which, in the framework of relations between the European Union and Cuba, is intended to encourage the process of transition to democratic pluralism, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as increasing and improving the quality of life of the people of Cuba.

So as to achieve a tangible outcome in political and economic areas and in the areas of human rights and cooperation, the Council reiterated that it is prepared to maintain constructive dialogue with the Cuban authorities.

The Council also deplored the lack of new liberations of political prisoners and categorically condemned the unacceptable attitude of the Cuban authorities towards the European members of parliament and journalists who were expelled from Cuba or prevented from entering to attend an assembly organised by the peaceful political Cuban opposition.

In this regard, the Council calls on the Cuban authorities to refrain from engaging in such actions in the future, which are an obstacle to the normal development of relations between the European Union and Cuba.

The Council also confirmed that there has not been satisfactory progress on human rights in Cuba, but it has nevertheless decided that the measures taken on 5 June 2003 will remain suspended and will be re-examined in June 2006 because the Council viewed with satisfaction the development of more intense links with the peaceful political opposition and with larger sectors of Cuban civil society through a more intense and regular dialogue."

The Council has also decided to deepen this dialogue, and reiterated the necessity of continuing to hold meetings between representatives of the European Union and the Member States with the peaceful political opposition.

Finally, the Council of the EU has decided to constantly monitor the evolution towards democratic pluralism and respect for human rights in Cuba.


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This page was last modified on : 13-06-2005

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