EUROPEAN UNION: Tough Search for Consensus on Cuba

By Patricia Grogg Reprint | | Print |

Patricia Grogg

HAVANA, Nov 18 2004 (IPS) - A process of reflection initiated by the European Union (EU) with a view to thawing diplomatic relations with Cuba is facing both resistance from within the EU itself and differing reactions on the part of Cuba’s internal opposition.

It also conflicts with the position of the European Parliament, which adopted a resolution a week ago stating that any eventual modifications of the so-called common stance toward Cuba or of the sanctions imposed against the island since last year will be conditional upon progress in the promotion of democracy and human rights.

So far, Havana has not reacted to the European resolution, although in statements made in Strasbourg, France, the seat of the European Parliament, the Cuban ambassador to the EU, Rodrigo Malmierca, called on the 25-country bloc to rectify its policy of sanctions as a prior step for entering into a potentially "constructive and useful" dialogue.

But as a European diplomat who preferred to remain anonymous told IPS, "Adopting political decisions in the EU is complicated. We’re talking about 25 countries, which all have their own governments, parliaments, diverse political sectors and the media exerting pressure."

As a result, he said, it would be very difficult for the EU to back down on the sanctions adopted in June 2003 to protest the arrest and imprisonment of 75 government opponents on charges of conspiring with a foreign power – the United States – and the execution of three men who had attempted to hijack a boat to the United States.

Of the various measures adopted as part of the sanctions, the diplomat said the decision to invite dissidents and relatives of the 75 prisoners to official European national day celebrations was the one least likely to be revoked.

"I don’t think they will be willing to compromise on this point, because for the EU it is something symbolic, a question of principles," he said.

This was precisely the measure that most deeply offended the Cuban authorities, who responded by refusing to attend any European embassy events.

The EU also decided to limit high-level official visits, reduce the participation of member states in cultural events, and reassess the common position on Cuba.

Established in 1996 and reviewed every six months, the EU common position makes full economic cooperation with Cuba conditional on democratic reforms on the island.

EU representatives gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to analyse the question of Cuba, but the only point they could agree upon was the need for dialogue with both of the parties involved – that is, the socialist government of President Fidel Castro and the opposition.

They also decided to ask EU member country ambassadors in Cuba for updates on the current situation, focusing on possible formulas to establish a "structured dialogue" with dissident sectors.

Some of the dissidents consulted by IPS said that greater clarity was needed regarding the meaning and scope of this "structured dialogue". They also criticised the stance of the Spanish government of socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, which is responsible for spearheading this rethinking of the EU’s position towards the island.

"The Spanish government is making recommendations about Cuba without talking to us," said Vladimiro Roca, spokesman for the opposition coalition Todos Unidos.

Both Roca’s coalition and the Assembly to Promote Civil Society, another opposition group, believe that the Cuban government should make the first move towards improving relations between the island and the EU.

Roca told IPS that in the days prior to the meeting in Brussels, he had met with officials from the embassies of the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and France, but had not been consulted by the Spanish embassy.

On Oct. 12, Spain’s ambassador to Cuba, Carlos Alonso Zaldívar, announced during an official reception that his country wanted to promote a process of reflection in the EU, aimed at overcoming the "deeply unsatisfactory" current state of relations with Cuba.

"We want to be, once again, as we have always been, partners in a dialogue with all political and social sectors in Cuba," said Zaldívar, whose words offended some of the government opponents in attendance at the reception, held to celebrate Spain’s national holiday.

In Roca’s opinion, the EU should apply the principle of reciprocity, and refuse to meet personally with Cuban diplomats posted in EU member countries.

"The EU should freeze out the Cuban ambassadors, like the Cuban government is doing here," he said.

More moderate dissidents, however, believe that isolation is counterproductive. "It would be better to inundate Cuba with networks of dialogue, communication and exchange," maintained Manuel Cuesta Morúa of the Arco Progresista, a social democratic opposition coalition.

"This is the only way to protect Cuban society and create the climate needed for changes that will benefit the Cuban people," he said.

Cuesta Morúa believes that the possibility of establishing a politically structured dialogue between the EU and Cuban opposition groups constitutes a good step "sideways", as opposed to a step back, because it would serve to maintain the current level of recognition and create "permanent" mechanisms for exchange.

"It would be a step back if they stopped inviting us to their receptions, or met with us only sporadically, as was the case until June of last year," he said. What is important, he added, is not the opportunity to partake in these festivities, but rather the recognition they imply.

Various reports point to Spain, Britain and Germany as the countries most interested in finding ways for the EU to improve relations with the Castro government, without abandoning its ongoing dialogue with the opposition.

In the meantime, the Czech Republic is one of the countries most firmly opposed to any change in the EU policy toward the island. "The former socialist countries that are now members of the EU have the overzealous attitude of ‘converts’, and tend to take a more hardline stance regarding Cuba," noted Cuesta Morúa.