Gay Mitchell
Question:111 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the contents of a letter (details supplied) regarding the US blockade of Cuba; and the Government's position on this issue. [4018/98]
Written Answers. - Embargo Against Cuba.
The Government wishes to see an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba. On 5 November 1997, Ireland, along with all our European Union partners, voted in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution which called for this to happen. The General Assembly adopted the resolution with 143 votes in favour, three against and 17 abstentions. The US Government is well aware of our concern about the embargo.
On 2 December 1996, Ireland joined with the other EU member states to adopt a common position on Cuba. The EU favours a peaceful transition to democracy and a sustainable recovery and improvement in living standards of the Cuban people and does not try to bring about change by coercive measures with the effect of increasing hardship. Nevertheless, I wish to make clear that the EU, including Ireland, attaches importance to the Cuban Government's responsibility to ensure full respect for human rights and political freedoms within Cuba.