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European
Parliament resolution on Cuba
The
European Parliament,
Wednesday 17 November 2004.
Situation
in Cuba
P6_TA-PROV(2004)0061 / B6-0156/2004
-
having regard to its earlier resolutions
on the situation in Cuba and, in particular,
its resolution of 22 April 2004 (1)
,
-
having regard to the EU Presidency statements
of 26 March and 5 June 2003 concerning the
detention of dissidents and members of the
opposition in Cuba and concerning the relevant
measures adopted unanimously by the European
Union,
-
having regard to the 16 June 2003 General
Affairs Council conclusions,
-
having regard to the EU's Common Position
96/697/CFSP on Cuba, which was adopted on
2 December 1996 and which has been periodically
updated,
-
having regard to its resolution of 28 October
2004 on Guantanamo (2)
,
-
having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules
of Procedure,
A.
whereas protecting the universality and
the indivisibility of human rights (including
civil, political, economic, social and cultural
rights) is still one of the EU's main objectives,
B.
whereas scores of independent journalists,
peaceful dissidents and upholders of human
rights (members of the democratic opposition
and in most cases linked to the Varela project)
are still being held in jail in subhuman
conditions, and whereas some of them are
seriously ill,
C.
whereas in June 2003 the European Union
decided to impose sanctions on Cuba, following
the arrest and imprisonment of 75 dissidents
in April and the subsequent summary execution
of three hijackers,
D.
whereas exercising freedom of expression
and freedom of assembly is a fundamental
human right,
E.
whereas the winner of the European Parliament's
2002 Sakharov Prize - Oswaldo Payá
Sardiñas - has been systematically
denied the freedom to leave Cuba and to
accept the invitations issued by this Parliament
and by other EU bodies,
F.
whereas in recent weeks the Cuban authorities
- in contravention of the basic right to
freedom of assembly - have expelled a number
of parliamentarians from the EU Member States
and also people working for humanitarian
organisations who were trying to enter the
country with a view to meeting members of
the democratic opposition and of the Varela
project, in order to demonstrate to them
their support and solidarity in the upholding
of democratic values,
G.
whereas hundreds of prisoners are still
being held at the Guantanamo naval base
(in violation of the most basic human rights)
and having regard to the views which this
Parliament has previously expressed on the
subject,
1.
Calls for the immediate release of all political
prisoners and prisoners of conscience who
are being held in the country and once again
condemns such detentions, which constitute
an attack on the most basic human rights,
in particular freedom of expression and
freedom of political association;
2.
Urges the Council and the Commission to
continue to take whatever action is necessary
in order to seek the release of the above
individuals;
3.
Reiterates that the objectives of the European
Union's policy towards Cuba continue to
be respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms, encouragement of a process of
transition to a pluralist democracy and
a lasting economic recovery aimed at improving
the living standards of the Cuban population;
4.
Vehemently condemns the Cuban authorities"
expulsion of three parliamentarians from
the EU Member States and of two representatives
of NGOs, and expresses its support for them
and for the members of the democratic opposition;
5.
Repeats its invitation to the winner of
the European Parliament's 2002 Sakharov
Prize - Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas
- and urges the Cuban authorities to grant
him the necessary permits in order to enable
him to appear before the Community institutions;
6.
Considers that, in such circumstances, the
release of all political prisoners, the
granting of authorisation to Mr Payá
Sardiñas and evidence of significant
progress on the island as regards the promotion
of democracy and the upholding of human
rights and fundamental freedoms are essential
conditions for any revision of the European
Union's Common Position on Cuba and the
measures adopted unanimously on 5 June 2003;
7.
Stresses that the current embargo imposed
on Cuba by the USA is counterproductive
and should be lifted;
8.
Stresses that the political future of Cuba
must rest on the sole will of its citizens;
9.
Instructs its President to forward this
resolution to the Council and Commission,
to Cuba's Government and National Assembly
of People's Power, and also to Oswaldo Payá
Sardiñas (winner of the European
Parliament's Sakharov Prize).
(1)
Texts Adopted , P5_TA(2004)0379.
(2) Texts
Adopted , P6_TA(2004)0050.
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