Enda Kenny
Question:152 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland supports a trade blockade on Cuba imposed by the United States of America; and his views for the future of this situation being resolved. [4240/99]
Written Answers. - US Trade Embargo Against Cuba.
Enda Kenny
Question:153 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the continuing trade blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States; his further views on the situation in view of the expansion and liberalisation of world trade; the discussions, if any, he has had with the United States Ambassador in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4241/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
As I stated in my reply of 15 December last, the Government wishes to see an end to the US embargo imposed against Cuba. We are working to that end in concert with our European Union partners. In the UN General Assembly on 13 October 1998, Ireland voted with our EU partners in favour of Resolution 53/4 which called for an end to the embargo. The resolution was adopted with a significantly increased majority over its predecessor – 157 votes in favour, two against, with 12 abstentions. This compares to 143 in favour, three against and 17 abstentions in 1997.
The US Administration and its diplomatic representatives have been made fully aware of our position.
Some progress has been made towards reviewing the embargo. I have already welcomed President Clinton's announcement of March 1998 on the opening of a number of contacts with Cuba. Last month, the US announced proposals for further measures, including fewer restrictions on flights to Cuba and on remittances to Cubans, a direct mail service with the island and a system that allows private Cuban entities to buy US food and agricultural inputs.
Deputies are aware that, under Ireland's EU Presidency of 1996, the EU adopted a common position on Cuba. The common position defines the EU's objective in its relations with Cuba as the facilitation of a peaceful transition to democracy and a sustainable recovery and improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people. The common position also makes clear that the EU's aim is to encourage a process of change, not to precipitate a collapse of authority which could bring about conflict, bloodshed and mass emigration. However, the common position also makes clear that wholehearted co-operation with Cuba is unavoidably inhibited by the persistent absence of fundamental human and political rights.
We look forward to an improvement in the human rights situation in Cuba. In the meantime, the EU position remains as set out in the common position, as reiterated by the General Affairs Council on 7 December last. Havana must also play its part if Cuba wishes its international relations to be more significantly improved.
For its part, the EU – in line with its policy of encouragement rather than isolation – has acceded to Cuba's request for observer status, as of 30 September last, at the negotiations for a new Lomé Convention. Full membership of the convention – and other full co-operation – must depend on real, substantial progress in respecting human rights and democracy.