Vol. 487 No. 5
10 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view on the economic blockade imposed by the US on Cuba; and the representations, if any, he has made to the US administration in relation to this unacceptable situation. [4297/98]
11 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position the Government has taken in relation to the ongoing blockade of Cuba. [4283/98]
24 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, the Government intends to take to promote an ending to the economic boycott of Cuba by the United States especially in view of the recent comments by the Pope; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4290/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 11 and 24 together.
The Government wishes to see an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba. On 5 November 1997 Ireland, with all our European Union partners, voted in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution which called for this. The General Assembly adopted the resolution with 143 votes in favour, three against and 17 abstentions. The US Administration is well aware of Ireland's concerns, and that of our EU partners, about the embargo and its extra-territorial effects. In this regard, I acknowledge the fact that President Clinton has continued to exercise his power to suspend aspects of the congressional embargo legislation known as the Helms-Burton Act.
The Pope, in his historic visit to Cuba last month, posed two important challenges: first, to the United States to end its policy of isolation of Cuba; and second to the Cuban authorities, to show willingness to grant full human rights and religious and political freedoms to the Cuban people. I am glad to see reports that, following the papal visit, a number of prisoners of conscience are to be freed by the Cuban authorities. I hope that these releases, when confirmed, will be a step on the road towards full respect for civil and political rights in Cuba.
