EU suspends sanctions against Cuba [View All]

[struggle4progress]

AFP: 1/31/2005

BRUSSELS, Jan 31 (AFP) - The European Union suspended diplomatic sanctions against Cuba Monday, easing a standoff triggered by a clampdown on dissidents by Havana in 2003 -- but it vowed to maintain pressure on Fidel Castro.

The suspension, to be reviewed before July, was decided after Castro's regime released a number of dissidents and signalled a re-opening of diplomatic contacts with EU embassies in Havana.

"All measures taken on June 5, 2003 have been temporarily suspended," said Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, in reference to the date the sanctions were agreed.

The decision will notably allow the resumption of high-level visits, although such trips must be used to push for improvements in human rights and the rights of dissidents in Cuba. <snip>

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=36734