EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/32

(2004/C 88 E/0034)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1469/03

by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission

(30 April 2003)

Subject: Wave of arrests in Cuba

It appears the reaction of Fidel Castro's dictatorship to the visit of a Commissioner, the inauguration of a Commission representation and public statements by the Commissioner in question in favour of Cuba's inclusion in the Cotonou Agreement has been to unleash a wave of repression against the island's dissidents.

In a debate at the EP on 8 April 2003, the author of this question was deeply disturbed to hear the Commission state that, rather than cancelling the opening of its delegation in Cuba, protesting against the imprisonment of dissidents, announcing the freezing of Cuba's inclusion in the Cotonou Agreement or, at least, recalling its representative in Cuba, it ‘intended to continue its policy of constructive dialogue’.

Is the Commission aware that, as with its previous attitude to Iran, it is, with its policy of supposed ‘constructive dialogue’, in fact encouraging dictatorial regimes worldwide to harden their line?

Is the Commission further aware that its attitude is in total contradiction of the democratic objectives and principles of the European institutions?

What action does the Commission intend to take to correct its attitude?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2003)

In order to facilitate a ‘peaceful transition’, the Union follows since 1996, under the Common Position, a policy of ‘constructive engagement’ with Cuba. The Common Position distances itself from the use of coercive measures that could increase the economic hardship of the Cuban people. Instead, it gives priority to a constructive dialogue with the Cuban authorities and civil society in order to promote respect for human rights and real progress towards pluralist democracy. The Commission is of the firm conviction that a policy of constructive engagement has more chance of success than one of isolation and embargoes.

The recent large-scale arrest of dissidents, the unfair trials and the arbitrary and excessive sentences imposed on them, as well as the execution of three Cuban citizens accused of hijacking a Cuban ferry, have, nevertheless, had a prompt, firm and sustained reaction from the Union. The Commission has fully and actively supported the actions that have been taken in this context.

The Commission, together with the Member States, has strongly condemned such arrests in a declaration published on 26 March 2003, which was followed by an Union démarche in Havana to urge the Cuban authorities to allow the prisoners' immediate release. A second Union démarche in Havana took place on 18 April 2003, following the Council statement issued on 14 April 2003.

The grave concern felt was also highlighted in the European Union's statement on ‘Human Rights in the World’, at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva in April 2003. The statement called for the prompt release of those arrested whom the Union considers to be prisoners of opinion.

Further measures have recently been agreed, such as a new evaluation of the situation of Human Rights in Cuba for consideration under the Common Position, limitation of bilateral high-level visits, non-attendance at Cuba's 1st May celebrations, and invitations of Cuban dissidents to National Day celebrations.

Furthermore, the Commission decided on 30 April to defer the examination of the Cuban application for membership of the Cotonou Agreement, signalling that these recent developments are not conducive with the furthering of co-operation between the Union and Cuba. As a reaction to such decision the Cuban authorities decided on 16 May to withdraw their application to the Cotonou Agreement.