EU: Castro Shares Interest in Closer Ties

By VANESSA ARRINGTON
The Associated Press
Saturday, March 26, 2005; 10:24 AM

HAVANA - Cuban President Fidel Castro shares the European Union's interest in strengthening ties and tackling sensitive issues such as human rights and the island's political prisoners, EU commissioner Louis Michel said Saturday, the morning after four-hour talks with the Cuban leader.

Michel's visit comes as Cuba struggles with international criticism over political prisoners and an upcoming U.N. vote on the island's human rights record.

"We spoke together about all the issues, even about the difficult issues, and sensitive issues, and there is of course a common interest to relaunch a political dialogue," Michel said as he entered a meeting with Cardinal Jaime Ortega, the Roman Catholic Church's top prelate on the island.

Michel, who arrived to Havana late Thursday, met with Castro until 1 in the morning Saturday. He said the meeting was effective, and that the 78-year-old leader was in good shape.

"I had a very good impression (of him), he is very healthy and very strong," Michel said.

The EU has asked that Cuba release all political prisoners, particularly 61 dissidents who remain behind bars after a roundup of 75 government opponents two years ago. The other 14 activists were released on medical parole.

The issue of human rights has strained Cuba-EU relations for several years. The breaking point came with the crackdown two years ago, which prompted the EU to impose sanctions against the island.

But a new chapter was opened earlier this year when European nations lifted the sanctions, partly in response to Cuba's release of some prisoners.

The new EU policy is up for review this summer and likely will hinge on whether the remaining imprisoned dissidents stay behind bars.

While the new policy moves the EU closer to the Cuban government, it also calls for increased ties with dissidents.

Michel was expected to meet Saturday with several dissidents. On Friday, he also met with Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque and Parliament Speaker Ricardo Alarcon. Human rights and the issue of political prisoners also were discussed, but no agreements were reached, he said.

Michel's visit comes as the Cuban government campaigns to rally allies in its annual fight against a U.S.-backed U.N. resolution on the island's human rights record.

The resolution will be voted on in Geneva at the meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Commission, which runs through mid-April. Last year's resolution passed 22-21, with 10 abstentions.

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