European Parliament resolution on Cuba
Date: 2004-11-17
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: Cuba, cooperation policy, human rights, political opposition, political prisoner

18.8.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 201 E/83

Wednesday 17 November 2004

P6_TA(2004)0061

Situation in Cuba

The European Parliament,

European Parliament resolution on Cuba

— having regard to its earlier resolutions on the situation in Cuba and, in particular, its resolution of

22 April 2004 (1),

— having regard to the EU Presidency statements of 26 March and 5 June 2003 concerning the detention
of dissidents and members of the opposition in Cuba and concerning the relevant measures adopted
unanimously by the European Union,

— having regard to the 16 June 2003 General Affairs Council conclusions,

— having regard to the EU's Common Position 96/697/CFSP on Cuba, which was adopted on 2 December

1996 and which has been periodically updated,

— having regard to its resolution of 28 October 2004 on Guantanamo (2),

— having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas protecting the universality and the indivisibility of human rights (including civil, political,

economic, social and cultural rights) is still one of the EU's main objectives,

B. whereas scores of independent journalists, peaceful dissidents and upholders of human rights (members
of the democratic opposition and in most cases linked to the Varela project) are still being held in jail in
subhuman conditions, and whereas some of them are seriously ill,

C. whereas in June 2003 the European Union decided to impose sanctions on Cuba, following the arrest
and imprisonment of 75 dissidents in April and the subsequent summary execution of three hijackers,

D. whereas exercising freedom of expression and freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right,

E. whereas the winner of the European Parliament's 2002 Sakharov Prize — Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas —
has been systematically denied the freedom to leave Cuba and to accept the invitations issued by this
Parliament and by other EU bodies,

F. whereas in recent weeks the Cuban authorities — in contravention of the basic right to freedom of
assembly — have expelled a number of parliamentarians from the EU Member States and also people
working for humanitarian organisations who were trying to enter the country with a view to meeting
members of the democratic opposition and of the Varela project, in order to demonstrate to them their
support and solidarity in the upholding of democratic values,

G. whereas hundreds of prisoners are still being held at the Guantanamo naval base (in violation of the
most basic human rights) and having regard to the views which this Parliament has previously
expressed on the subject,

1.
Calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience who are being
held in the country and once again condemns such detentions, which constitute an attack on the most basic
human rights, in particular freedom of expression and freedom of political association;

Urges the Council and the Commission to continue to take whatever action is necessary in order to

2.
seek the release of the above individuals;

(1) Texts Adopted, P5_TA(2004)0379.
(2) Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2004)0050.

C 201 E/84

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

18.8.2005

Wednesday 17 November 2004

3.
Reiterates that the objectives of the European Union's policy towards Cuba continue to be respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms, encouragement of a process of transition to a pluralist democracy
and a lasting economic recovery aimed at improving the living standards of the Cuban population;

Vehemently condemns the Cuban authorities' expulsion of

4.
three parliamentarians from the EU
Member States and of two representatives of NGOs, and expresses its support for them and for the
members of the democratic opposition;

Repeats its invitation to the winner of the European Parliament's 2002 Sakharov Prize — Oswaldo
5.
Payá Sardiñas — and urges the Cuban authorities to grant him the necessary permits in order to enable him
to appear before the Community institutions;

Considers that, in such circumstances, the release of all political prisoners, the granting of authori-
6.
sation to Mr Payá Sardiñas and evidence of significant progress on the island as regards the promotion of
democracy and the upholding of human rights and fundamental freedoms are essential conditions for any
revision of the European Union's Common Position on Cuba and the measures adopted unanimously on
5 June 2003;

Stresses that the current embargo imposed on Cuba by the USA is counterproductive and should be

7.
lifted;

8.

Stresses that the political future of Cuba must rest on the sole will of its citizens;

9.
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, to Cuba's Govern-
ment and National Assembly of People's Power, and also to Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas (winner of the European
Parliament's Sakharov Prize).

P6_TA(2004)0062

European Council meeting (Brussels, 4 and 5 November 2004)

European Parliament resolution on the outcome of the European Council meeting held in Brussels
on 4 and 5 November 2004

The European Parliament,

— having regard to the Presidency Conclusions following the European Council meeting on 4 and 5 Nov-

ember 2004 (Council document 14292/04),

— having regard to the European Council report and the Commission statement on the European Council

meeting of 4 and 5 November 2004,

— having regard to the Hague Programme in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice,

— having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure.

Preparation of the Mid-Term Review of the Lisbon Strategy and the High-Level Report (the Kok report)

1. Welcomes the European Council's confirmation of the validity and relevance of a balanced Lisbon
strategy with an economic, social and environmental dimension and underlines that this balance is essential
both to the European vision of society and to Europe's global competitiveness; insists on ambitious social
and environmental dimensions; deplores the fact that the strategy has so far failed to produce most of the
expected results;