Brussels, 15/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - Following the conclusion of an EU-Cuba association agreement in Havana on 11 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called, on Tuesday 15 March, for the US embargo against Cuba to be lifted.
“On the trade level, the extra-territorial effects of the US embargo strain the opportunities of European businesses in Cuba. We are working to put an end to this policy which damages the EU's interests. I have already told the US authorities that this embargo is obsolete and that an end needs to be put to it”, Mogherini told the European Parliament's international trade committee.
“We have initialled a historic agreement, an agreement of cooperation and political dialogue that sets a legal framework for our relations and for our political dialogue”, she had earlier stated, believing that “a major commitment from the EU is required in Cuba”.
Concluded ahead of Mogherini's visit to Cuba, and that of US President Barack Obama and Pope Francis next week, the future EU-Cuba cooperation agreement will provide a framework for the revitalisation of relations between the EU and Cuba (see EUROPE 11510). The agreement comprises three sections - political dialogue, economic cooperation and trade - and must still be validated by both parties.
In line with Cuban demands, the agreement guarantees the principle of non-interference by the EU in Cuba's domestic affairs. It does not describe an optimal model of organisation but creates a framework for dialogue on the controversial issue of human rights.
On this point, Mogherini gave assurances on Tuesday that this agreement “[would offer] a legal framework for the human rights dialogue to be structured and to continue”. “We will have a structured dialogue on human rights. We are having an open and frank discussion, which is respectful on both sides. This might be a little less visible in terms of meetings, but the work is substantial. We have relaunched things”, she said, responding to the concerns of certain MEPs.
Santiago Fisas Ayxelà (EPP, Spain) had earlier underlined “the importance of being vigilant as regards human rights and democracy in Cuba”. His compatriot, Pablo Zalba Bidegain (EPP), for his part deplored “the lack of mention of human rights” in the joint statement signed by Mogherini and the Cuban authorities on 11 March. “Normally, the first article (ed: of an agreement) refers to human rights”, Zalba Bidegain stated. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)