Union puts brakes on links with Cuba

Date: 17/04/03

By David Cronin

OFFICIALS in the European Commission have decided to delay developing closer links with Cuba in protest at a recent wave of repression on the island.

Last Friday's (11 April) execution of three men, who had hijacked a ferry in an attempt to reach the US, prompted officials to downgrade the importance they attach to a recent application by Fidel Castro's government to sign up to the Cotonou Agreement.

Valued at €13.5 billion over five years, the trade and aid accord currently underpins relations between the EU and 77 countries from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) bloc.

A Commission insider explained that its officials will continue to work on a 'technical assessment' which they are required to conduct on Cuba's bid.

But it is unlikely an unofficial deadline of completing it by July will be met. "If there was any urgency to it before, there isn't now," he added.

On 14 April, EU foreign ministers condemned Cuba for jailing 75 political dissidents and journalists after summary trials and for the executions.

"These latest developments, which mark a further deterioration in the human rights situation in Cuba, will affect the EU's relationship with Cuba," their statement read.

A Brussels-based Cuban diplomat argued that the arrests and killings are "an internal affair" for the country and that these were "in accordance with the law".

He said the clampdown has been in response to "provocation" from the US, arguing Washington is trying to 'destabilize' the Castro regime by showing tolerance to the hijackings of Cuban aircraft and vessels.

The European Commission has decided to delay developing closer links with Cuba in protest at a recent wave of repression on the island.