CUBA — COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON THE 14TH EVALUATION OF THE COMMON POSITION

(2004/C 311/01)

The Council took note of the 14th evaluation of the EU Common Position on Cuba. The Council reiterated that the objectives of the European Union in its relations with Cuba remained the encouragement of a process of peaceful transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a sustainable economic recovery and an improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people.

The Council noted the disappointing lack of progress by the Cuban government towards the realisation of the aims of the Common Position since the previous evaluation in July 2003.

In particular, the Council expressed its serious concern at the ongoing large-scale violation of human rights in Cuba. It strongly condemned the trial and sentencing in April and May 2004 of a group of 16 human rights activists and journalists, and the continuing detention of a large numbers of prisoners of conscience, including those arrested during the crackdown by the Cuban authorities in March and April 2003. The Council called on Cuba to release immediately all those detained for political reasons.

The Council expressed regret at the imposition of new restrictions on private enterprise since the last evaluation, with negative consequences for many Cuban people. It repeated its view that the opening of the Cuban economy would benefit all its people, while expressing its rejection of all unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. It has never been European Union policy to try to bring about change by coercive measures with the effect of increasing the economic hardship of the Cuban people.

The Council reaffirmed the validity of the Common Position of 1996 and reiterated that constructive engagement remained the basis of the European Union's policy towards Cuba. The Council noted that although all the aims of the Common Position had not been realised, isolation of Cuba would not contribute to this effort. The Council emphasised the importance which the Union attached to dialogue in order to produce tangible results in the political, economic and civil rights and cooperation spheres. The European Union remained open to resume such dialogue.

The Council strongly condemned the unacceptable attitude of the Cuban Government towards EU delegations in Havana and called on Cuba to respect internationally acknowledged principles and practices. The Council also expressed regret at Cuba's refusal of EU cooperation and reiterated its continued preparedness to provide EU cooperation to Cuba, when conditions permit, in areas that promote the transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as in areas that promote sustainable economic growth and an improvement in the living standards of the Cuban population. Since the mid 1990s the EU has become a major partner of Cuba in promoting trade, investment and tourism, in cooperation and in cultural and academic exchanges.

As a result of the lack of progress towards an improvement in the human rights situation, the Council reaffirmed that the measures adopted on 5 June 2003 would be maintained, including the invitation of members of the peaceful opposition and other members of civil society, alongside government representatives, to their national day celebrations, as elsewhere in the world. In the context of its policy of constructive engagement, the EU and its Member States would also continue to provide support for cultural events in Cuba and would urge the Cuban authorities to avoid obstructing this process.