|
CUBA
NEWS
EU,
Frattini, the Cuban human rights situation has
worsened
Italy
On Line. Special service
by AGI on behalf of the Italian Prime Minister's
office. Sept. 3, 2003.
(AGI) - Strasbourg, France, 3 September - The
Cuban situation has further deteriorated, both
at the level of political freedom and human rights
as well as regarding the minimal openings of the
economic sector towards private initiative. This
was the evaluation expressed this morning also
in the name of the EU presidency, by Italian Foreign
Minister, Franco Frattini in the European Parliament
chamber during a debate on EU-Cuba relations.
Not only are dissidents arrested and summary
trials held, with heavy sentences given out, in
violation of international human rights norms.
The wave of repression, Frattini observed, has
been accompanied by a further limitation of access
to the internet and restrictive measures against
the reception of satellite transmissions, foreign
newspapers and the possession of radio equipment.
Freedom of movement remains very restricted, both
internally and internationally. Furthermore, the
EU, he emphasised, "regrets the lack of economic
reforms and the absence of economic liberty, which
makes the daily lives of the Cuban people more
difficult." Despite everything, the EU presidency
holds that "political dialogue has to be
pursued", but Frattini said that this dialogue
needs also to be concerned with the human rights
situation. As regards EU aid, Frattini said that
this will continue but, according to the EU presidency,
will have to be tied to a "real improvement
in the lives of Cubans." In the course of
the debate, the former commissioner responsible
for humanitarian aid, Emma Bonino, spoke, putting
back into discussion the use of having an EU delegation
office in Cuba. The current commissioner, Poul
Nielsen, however, emphasised that today the presence
of the Union in Cuba is more important than ever."
(AGI)
031511 SET 03
COPYRIGHTS 2002-2003 AGI S.p.A.
|
