Luxembourg, 25/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Foreign Affairs Council has asked Catherine Ashton to sound out the Cuban authorities on the possibilities of a rapprochement between the EU and Cuba. The high representative is to report to the Council on her contacts with Havana “as soon as possible”, the ministers agreed. Sources close to Ashton indicate that the report could be ready by “December”. Basically, Ashton will examine “how far the Cuban authorities are prepared to commit” in favour of substantial improvements in democratic levels and in the observation of fundamental freedoms and human rights, the diplomatic sources explained. Should Cuba agree to make tangible concessions in these areas, the member states may consider establishing contractual relations between the EU and Cuba. In the meantime, the “common position” of 1996 remains in force, despite the pressure from Spain in favour of its abolition. (H.B./transl.fl)