§ 35. Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Cuban Government on relations with the European Union and the United Nations. [12150]
§ Mr. Tony LloydMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Cuban Ambassador at the Diplomatic Reception in June and the Ambassador called on my noble Friend Baroness Symons, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, on 26 June. Officials frequently discuss with the Cuban Government their relations with the European Union and the United Nations.
We and EU partners share the goal of a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. We favour constructive engagement, not isolation. The EU adopted a Common Position on Cuba on 2 December 1996, reaffirming the EU's commitment to constructive engagement and to promoting political, economic and human rights reform in Cuba. This was presented to the Cuban Government on 21 July and we look forward to furthering this dialogue.