John Ellis
Question:31 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, that has been made in respect of the lifting of the embargoes on Cuba. [9978/96]
Written Answers. - US Embargo on Cuba.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland supported a resolution at the UN General Assembly last November calling for the end of the US embargo on Cuba.
The recent enactment of the Helms-Burton Act, following the shooting down by Cuba of two US civilian aircraft, has widened the scope of the embargo. Together with our partners in the European Union we have expressed deep concern to the US in regard to this legislation which has implications for world trade.
The EU believes that a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba can best be achieved through dialogue and economic development. The EU is prepared to provide material and political support to this end. However, the recent measures taken by the Cuban Government to prevent the holding of a conference by the pro-human rights coalition "Concilio Cubano" do not encourage optimism about prospects for political reform.