Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings that have been held recently to discuss the EU sanctions against Cuba; if Ireland has participated in those meetings; Ireland's position in relation to EU sanctions against Cuba; if that position represents a change in policy; if Ireland's position regarding EU sanctions has changed; the basis on which the decision to change that policy was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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There has been no change in our policy towards Cuba. The European Union's 1996 Common Position on Cuba remains the basis of both the European Union's and Ireland's approach to relations with that country. The overriding objective of Ireland and our European Union partners in our relations with Cuba is to encourage, but not to enforce by external coercion, a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The diplomatic measures to which the Deputy refers were adopted by the European Union on 5 June 2003 in response to a deterioration in the human rights situation in Cuba, and include inter alia the limiting of bilateral high-level Governmental visits. In January 2005, these measures were temporarily suspended, and remain so to the present day.

In the lead-up to the annual re-evaluation of the Common Position at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 June 2007, the European Union's position was subject to review at Working Group meetings, at which Ireland was represented. I participated in the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 June which considered this review.

The Council's Conclusions deplored the fact that the human rights situation in Cuba has not fundamentally changed, and noted that the Cuban Government continues to deny its citizens internationally recognised civil, political and economic rights and freedoms. The Council's Conclusions recognised the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently about their future.

While the European Union will continue to pursue its dialogue with Cuba's civil society and to offer to all sectors of society practical support towards peaceful change in Cuba, the Council also emphasised the Union's willingness to resume a comprehensive and open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities on all areas of mutual interest. In order to sound out the potential for such a dialogue, which should take place on a reciprocal and non-discriminatory basis, the Council decided to invite a Cuban delegation to Brussels.

I support the balanced approach adopted in the Council's Conclusions, which is in accordance with the principles of the Common Position. And I welcome, in particular, the decision taken to invite a Cuban delegation to Brussels in the interest of establishing an open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities.