Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 767: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the developing relationship with Cuba. [38164/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Cuba is undergoing a major transformation, and its relations with the EU have entered a new phase. Given this new context, I visited Cuba in February of this year and discussed a wide range of political, economic and social issues, including human rights. Following that visit, we are now examining how we might strengthen our bilateral relationship with Cuba and work is being taken forward with the Cuban authorities on that basis. In addition, following the Universal Periodic Review of Cuba at the fourth Universal Periodic Review Session, we have engaged bilaterally and in the EU framework in a human rights dialogue with Cuba.

The June General Affairs and External Relations Council assessed the EU's relations with Cuba, in the context of the annual review of its 1996 Common Position on Cuba. The Council welcomed the resumption of political dialogue with Cuba, which allows both sides to discuss openly issues of mutual interest. However, a high level political dialogue meeting between the EU and Cuba, due to take place en marge of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, was postponed. It is hoped that it can be rescheduled to take place before the end of the Swedish Presidency.