Vol. 500 No. 7
134 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view of the imprisonment of a person (details supplied) for four years in Cuba; his views on whether he is a prisoner of conscience whose trial took place less than 24 hours after his arrest; the contacts, if any, he had in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5112/99]
I am aware of the case mentioned by the Deputy, which concerns an independent journalist in Cuba who was arrested on 19 January and brought to trial the next day, when he was convicted of endangering the socialist constitution and sentenced to four years in prison. I am concerned that this trial did not conform to international standards of fairness, and, in particular, that his lawyer did not have adequate time to prepare his defence. The imprisonment of this journalist follows a number of warnings to him that Cuban journalists must be employed only by the State, as well as harassment for his independent activities and his contacts with opposition groups in Cuba.
This person is one of a number of journalists working for independent press agencies which challenge the State monopoly in news dissemination. Like him, many have been threatened with detention and arrested. Some of these have been asked to leave the country, while others have been tried and imprisoned for their independent activities.
In the case mentioned by the Deputy, this journalist is regarded by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. The EU will continue to press the Cuban authorities for the release of all such persons imprisoned.
The EU has made numerous representations to the Cuban authorities designed to secure the release of dissidents. In the course of the past year, we have seen an improvement in the human rights record, in particular a steadily reducing number of political prisoners. It is all the more disappointing therefore that, during the same time, new cases of imprisonment should have occurred – especially after unsatisfactory trials. These include the case to which the Deputy refers.
The EU's common position on Cuba makes clear that wholehearted co-operation with Cuba is unavoidably inhibited by the persistent absence of fundamental human and political rights. In its fourth evaluation of the common position, the General Affairs Council on 7 December last reiterated that our objective remains the encouragement of a peaceful transition to pluralist democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. As well as sustainable economic recovery and improvement in the living conditions of the Cuban people. In this regard we look to Havana for sustained evidence of progress in human rights. The Cuban Government has been made aware of the EU's insistence that full membership of the EU-ACP Convention will depend on full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
