Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 5

Written Answers. - US Embargo Against Cuba.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

45 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, made with regard to the Government's stated objective of seeking an end to the US economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba; and if Ireland will establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, even on a non-residential basis, in view of the generally improving relations between Cuba and many other countries. [4358/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

As I have stated previously, most recently in my written reply of yesterday to Deputy Kenny, 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, 2 against, with 12 abstentions. This compares with 143 in favour, 3 against and 17 abstentions in 1997.

Some progress has been made towards reviewing the embargo. I have already welcomed President Clinton's announcement of 20 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 EUs 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 EUs aim is to encourage a process of change, not to precipitate a collapse of authority which could bring about conflict, bloodshed and mass emigration. But 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 its 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 Lome Convention. Full membership of the Convention – and other full co-operation – must depend on real, substantial progress in respecting human rights and democracy.

While resource constraints have precluded the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations with Cuba, the position is being kept under continuing review.