European Union

Revision is up in the air

September 11, 2010

The European Union (EU) has left the October revision of its Common Position on Cuba up in the air, already having been delayed on two occasions, arguing that the debate over the validity of the document, which frames relations with the island, requires “great prepatory work.” [EFE]

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In pursuit of change to EU’s Cuba policy

July 28, 2010

Deutsche Welle reports of a rebellious Spain hell-bent on pushing for change in the EU’s stance on Cuba: As holder of the rotating EU Council presidency, Spain tried to massively influence the EU position on Cuba by pushing for increased dialogue and a normalization of relations despite Cuba not yet meeting the benchmarks set out [...]

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Diplomatic corner

July 23, 2010

European Union’s foreign relations ministers will begin debating early next week the consequences of the recent release of political prisoners in Cuba. [Europa Press] Germany demands of Havana “true reforms,” i.e. free elections and respect human rights. [Clarín] Dominican president Leonel Fernández meets with Army General Raul Castro and both countries sign agreements on diplomatic exchanges. [...]

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Cuba politics: Freedom calls

July 14, 2010

From the Economist Intelligence Unit: No democratisation If the prisoners — who include journalists, community organisers and opposition figures — are indeed set free, this would be a major concession on the part of the Castro government. It appears to be designed for external consumption, however. It could lead to improvements in Cuba’s foreign relations, [...]

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Prisoner release is no sign of a new era

July 11, 2010

Columnist Andres Oppenheimer in today’s The Oppenheimer Report: Cuba’s announcement that it will free 52 political prisoners over the next four months is a welcome development, but Spain’s Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos’ claim that this opens a “new phase in Cuba” is ludicrous. [...] First, Cuba has a long history of using political prisoners as [...]

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Diplomatic corner

July 9, 2010

The European Union will revise its “Common Position” which conditions the position of the community over links with Cuba about the human rights situation on the island. [Clarín] Past negotiated releases did not bring an end to repression in Cuba. [New York Review of Books Blog] Cuban Catholic Church and the Spanish government set up mechanism [...]

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