Cuba cautiously welcomes European Union’s new approach on ties
Cuba welcomes trade overtures from the EU as 'constructive' but maintains it will adhere to its own approach on politics and human rights
Cuba on Monday welcomed the European Union’s decision to try to improve ties as “constructive,” but still warned the EU had to be respectful of the Communist nation’s sovereignty.
Cuba “will look at the invitation drawn up by [the EU] in a way that is respectful, constructive and in-line with its sovereignty and national interests,” deputy foreign minister Rogelio Sierra said in a statement.
The EU froze relations with Cuba, the Americas’ only one-party Communist regime, in 2003 after authorities there threw 75 government opponents behind bars. It resumed contact, however, upon their release in 2008.
“I hope Cuba will take up this offer, and that we can work towards a stronger relationship.”
At talks in Brussels, foreign ministers from the 28-nation bloc endorsed a negotiating mandate for a political and co-operation agreement that ultimately will open the way also to broader trade and economic ties.
“I hope Cuba will take up this offer, and that we can work towards a stronger relationship,” said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton as ministers agreed to the opening of bilateral talks on a “Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement.”
This is not a policy change from the past,” Ashton said. “Just as we want to support reform and modernisation in Cuba, we have consistently raised human rights concerns which will remain at the core of the relationship.”
Cash-strapped Cuba is certainly keen to attract foreign investment. But it has shown zero inclination to budge on real, meaningful economic or political reform.
Cuba’s infrastructure is feeble, and it is economically isolated. It depends on its close ally Venezuela for subsidised oil to keep the power supplied in a nation of 11 million.
After five decades of the same regime, Havana still has not engaged in major economic reform. It maintains Soviet-style control over the vast majority of the economy – though it has allowed more self-employment after firing thousands from government jobs.
Shortages are widespread, with most Cubans spending hours a day trying to figure out how to put food on the table; incomes average US$20 a month. Corruption is a major issue and stealing from the government and tourist facilities such as restaurants is rampant.
All media are state-run and free speech and free association are not allowed although they are deemed basic human rights by the United Nations, of which Cuba is a member.
Cuba has refused to consider a multi-party system, insisting it has created democracy.
With the economy in dire straits and the government in charge of most jobs and education, people are left to work with the system somehow – or vote with their feet.
Sierra, the senior Cuban diplomat, said that in 2008 Cuba and the EU started a dialogue “on reciprocal bases ... and total respect for the idea of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.”
“This is still the case today,” Sierra stressed, highlighting how steep the EU’s uphill battle will be.
