Brussels, 25/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - As had been decided in principle at the European Council last week (see EUROPE 9687), on Monday 23 June, the Council of the EU decided to remove diplomatic sanctions against Cuba (imposed in 2003, but suspended since 2005). In their conclusions, member states say that the Council will, at the next annual assessment of the 1996 Common Position, in June 2009, carry out an evaluation of its relations with Cuba. It will monitor the effectiveness of political dialogue with regard to human rights (the release of all political prisoners, allowing humanitarian organisations into Cuban prisons and ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights). (A.B./transl.rt)