HL Deb 22 June 2004 vol 662 cc115-7WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the United States Administration concerning the recommendations of the report by the United States Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba which focuses on forcing a regime change in Cuba. [HL3136]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

We do not believe that sanctions offer the most effective means of promoting the transition to a pluralist democracy in Cuba. The EU has expressed its rejection of all unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. Our position, which is well understood by the US Administration, is one of constructive engagement and dialogue. This is clearly set out in the EU's common position on Cuba which was adopted in 1996, and which has been regularly reaffirmed since. On 4 November 2003, we again voted against the US embargo at the United Nations General Assembly.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will support measures to encourage holidaymakers to visit Cuba as part of the policy of constructive engagement, dialogue and trade promotion with the Cuban Government. [HL3138]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

EU member states are the biggest investors in Cuba, and its major partners in trade and tourism. The UK has shown strong commitment to such engagement, and we welcome and support the fact that an increasing number of British tourists are taking their holidays there. The British Embassy and the British Council have been among the most active of foreign missions in Havana in promoting cultural, educational and sporting exchanges in recent years which themselves are encouraging interest in and tourism to Cuba.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they will take to improve United Kingdom and European Union relations with Cuba in the fields of tourism, trade investment, business and cultural exchanges. [HL3139]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK's policy with Cuba is defined by the EU common position, which sets out a relationship based on constructive engagement and dialogue. Through this relationship the EU has become the biggest investor in Cuba and its major partner in trade and tourism. The UK has shown strong commitment to such engagement, and we maintain close co-operation in areas that encourage trade, tourism, education, sport, science and cultural links between the two countries. British tourism to Cuba is increasing.

Following a crackdown on the peaceful opposition in March 2003, the EU—in line with the common position—condemned Cuba's actions and adopted a series of measures that reflected our human rights concerns. The Cuban response to these measures was to reject all EU development aid, and to freeze contact with EU embassies in Havana. Despite this, British-funded programmes and projects with Cuba remain very active.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider Cuba to have ownership of a biological, chemical or nuclear weapons capacity. [HL3140]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Cuba has made clear its position on this issue through its adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention and its recent accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The United Kingdom routinely monitors the compliance of all states parties with their obligations under these international agreements.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the key elements of their policy towards the Government and people of Cuba. [HL3141]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK, along with EU partners, adopted a common position on Cuba in 1996. This is a clear statement of the existing EU policy of constructive engagement to achieve political and economic reform; progress on which is the key to improved EU/Cuba relations. The common position has stood unchanged since 1996, and was reevaluated on 15 June 2004. The common position identities thatthe main objective of the European Union in its relations with Cuba is to encourage a process of peaceful transition to pluralistic democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people.

We see a relationship based on constructive engagement as the best way to achieve this. EU member states are the biggest investors in Cuba and its major partners in trade and tourism. The UK and other member states have shown strong commitment to such engagement.