Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2015
35. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent agreements by the US and Cuba aimed at normalising relations between the two countries; if he will support any efforts to lift the illegal blockade of Cuba; and his views on sending a delegation to Cuba to improve bilateral and trade relations. [2643/15]
View answerI warmly welcome the historic decision by President Obama and by President Castro on the restoration of full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. As noted in my press statement of 19 December 2014, this is a positive step towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries.
Ireland’s concerns about the US economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba are long-standing and clear. Ireland and the other member states of the European Union are firmly of the view that the lifting of the embargo would facilitate an opening of the island’s economy to the benefit of its people. In addition, we and our EU partners do not believe that the continued embargo contributes in a positive way to the democratic transition in Cuba. We have expressed this position in our support for the relevant resolutions at the UN General Assembly, most recently on 28 October last year. We have recorded also our strong opposition to the extraterritorial application of the legislation giving effect to the embargo.
The US embargo against Cuba is codified in legislation passed by Congress. President Obama has indicated his willingness to engage with Congress in an honest and serious debate about lifting the embargo. We welcome the President’s efforts in this regard also.
The recent UN debate recorded continued concerns and criticisms regarding governance and human rights in Cuba. It was noted that while the US embargo has a damaging effect on the Cuban economy, domestic Cuban economic policy seriously hampers its own economic development. Together with our EU partners we have urged that the package of economic and social reforms adopted by the Cuban Parliament in August 2011 be extended and implemented in a manner that will address the key concerns of the Cuban population.
I urge the Cuban authorities to bring about real improvements in all areas mentioned, and to grant its citizens internationally recognised civil, political and economic rights and freedoms.
In overall terms, our bilateral relations with Cuba are excellent and we are seeking to conclude a cooperation agreement as a basis for deepening our relations further. Our embassy in Mexico, which is accredited concurrently to Havana, will continue to liaise with the authorities there and to visit Havana.
