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NEWS
European Parliament Resolution On Cuba
The European Parliament,
- having regard to its earlier resolutions on the situation in Cuba and,
in particular, its resolution of 21 April 2004,
- having regard to the Presidency statements of 26 March and 5 June 2003
concerning the detention of dissidents and members of the opposition in
Cuba and concerning the relevant measures adopted unanimously by the
European Union,
- having regard to the 16 June 2003 General Affairs Council conclusions,
- having regard to the EU's Common Position 96/697/PESC on Cuba, which
was adopted on 2 December 1996 and which has been periodically updated,
- having regard to its 28 October 2004 resolution on Guantanamo,
- having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas protecting the universality and the indivisibility of human
rights (including civil, political, economic, social and cultural
rights) is still one of the EU's main objectives,
B. whereas scores of freelance journalists, peaceful dissidents and
upholders of human rights (members of the democratic opposition and in
most cases linked to the Varela project) are still being held in jail in
subhuman conditions, and whereas some of them are seriously ill,
C. whereas in June 2003 the European Union decided to impose sanctions
on Cuba, following the arrest and imprisonment of 75 dissidents in April
and the subsequent summary execution of three hijackers,
D. whereas exercising freedom of expression and freedom of association
is a basic right of the individual,
E. whereas the winner of the European Parliament's 2002 Sakharov Prize -
Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas - has been systematically denied the freedom to
leave Cuba and to accept the invitations issued by this Parliament and
by other EU bodies,
F. whereas in recent weeks the Cuban authorities - in contravention of
the basic right to meet freely - have expelled a number of
parliamentarians from the EU Member States and also people working for
humanitarian organisations who were trying to enter the country with a
view to interviewing members of the democratic opposition and of the
Varela project, in order to demonstrate to them their support and
solidarity in the upholding of democratic values,
G. whereas hundreds of prisoners are still being held at the Guantanamo
naval base (in violation of the most basic human-rights standards) and
having regard to the views expressed on the subject by the European
Parliament,
1. Calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners and
prisoners of conscience who are being held in the country and once again
condemns such detentions, which constitute an attack on the most basic
human rights, in particular freedom of expression and freedom of
political association;
2. Urges the Council and the Commission to continue to take whatever
action is necessary in order to seek the release of the above
individuals;
3. Reiterates that the objectives of the European Union's policy towards
Cuba continue to be respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
encouragement of a process of transition to a pluralist democracy and a
lasting economic recovery aimed at improving the living standards of the
Cuban population;
4. Vehemently condemns the Cuban authorities' expulsion of three
parliamentarians from the EU Member States and of two representatives of
NGOs, and expresses its support for them and for the members of the
democratic opposition;
5. Repeats its invitation to the winner of the European Parliament's
2002 Sakharov Prize - Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas - and urges the Cuban
authorities to grant him the necessary permits in order to enable him to
appear before the Community institutions;
6. Considers that, in such circumstances, the release of all political
prisoners, the granting of authorisation to Mr Payá Sardiñas and
evidence of significant progress on the island as regards the promotion
of democracy and the upholding of human rights and fundamental freedoms
are essential conditions for any revision of the European Union's Common
Position on Cuba and the measures adopted unanimously on 5 June 2003;
7. Stresses that the current embargo imposed on Cuba by the USA is
counterproductive and should be lifted;
8. Stresses that the political future of Cuba must rest on the sole will
of its citizens;
9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and
Commission, to Cuba's Government and National Assembly of People's
Power, and also to Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas (Winner of the European
Parliament's Sakharov Prize).
This is the Official Resolution of the European Parliament on Cuba.
Sent to the Information Bridge Cuba Miami and Net For Cuba
International on the 17th day of November 2004.
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