Cuba — Council conclusions on the 14th evaluation of the Common Position
Date: 2004-12-16
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Cuba, common foreign and security policy, common position, cooperation policy, democracy, economic cooperation, human rights

16.12.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 311/1

I

(Information)

COUNCIL

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 free-
doms, 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 Euro-
pean 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 contri-
bute 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 Euro-
pean Union remained open to resume such dialogue.

The Council strongly condemned the unacceptable attitude of the Cuban Government towards EU delega-
tions 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 plur-
alist 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.

C 311/2

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

16.12.2004

As a result of the lack of progress towards an improvement in the human rights situation, the Council reaf-
firmed 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 representa-
tives, to their national day celebrations, as elsewhere in the world. In the context of its policy of construc-
tive 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.