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EUBusines
LUXEMBOURG, June 16 (AFP) - The European Union reiterated on Monday its "grave
concern" over a recent crackdown on dissidents in Cuba, and recalled
earlier criticism which sparked a fierce outburst from President Fidel Castro.
The EU considers "the behaviour of the Cuban authorities towards the
EU, its member states and acceding states, unacceptable," they said in a
statement after talks in Luxembourg.
"The EU will continue to monitor the situation in the country and in
particular of the Cuban citizens engaging in peaceful political opposition,"
they said, recalling a June 5 declaration.
That statement included a stinging attack on Cuba over the island's recent
human rights record and a pledge to re-examine its relationship with Havana.
In response Castro lashed out, indirectly accusing EU critics of being
allies of US "fascist imperialism," saying "A small gang, a
mafia, has joined with the yankee imperialists."
Cuba has faced widespread condemnation since Castro ordered a crackdown on
dissidents that led to the imprisonment of 75 opponents, with sentences up to 28
years. A moratorium on executions was also ended when three men who tried to
hijack a small ferry to Florida were slain. | 
