Ireland, in common with our partners in the European Union, is of the view that the US economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of Cuba and negatively affects its entire people. EU companies account for at least half of all Cuba's foreign trade, and the EU rejects unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. In the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland and our EU partners again voted on 8 November, 2006 in favour of the annual Cuban-tabled resolution related to ending the embargo. We will continue to make our opposition clear as appropriate.
The EU's overall policy on Cuba is as set out in the Common Position agreed on 2 December 1996, during the then Irish Presidency. The General Affairs and External Relations Council reaffirmed the validity of the Common Position on 12 June 2006. It reiterated that constructive engagement and a critical and comprehensive dialogue remain the basis of the EU's policy. However, the EU considers that full cooperation with Cuba will depend upon improvements in human rights and political freedom in that country, the restriction of which remains a matter of deep concern to the EU. I would again urge the Cuban Government to release all prisoners of conscience and to respect internationally acknowledged principles and practices so that dialogue can be resumed.