MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Cuba willing to talk human rights and elections with EU

Members of the Friendship and Solidarity with Cuba Group from the European Parliament called on the Cuban government to release jailed dissidents and grant more political space.

Cuba apparently is willing to discuss human rights and even the possibility of multi-party elections.

Last Saturday, the legislators concluded a visit to Cuba during which they met with high-ranking government officials and dissidents alike.

A member of Spain's Socialist party who serves as the delegation's spokesman, said the group informed Cuban authorities of "the need to release the prisoners." The imprisoned dissidents "pose no threat whatever to the nation's security" and should be "at home peacefully".

Releasing the 61 dissidents still behind bars out of the 75 who were sentenced in the spring of 2003 "would markedly facilitate our activity in favour of normalized relations between Cuba and the European Union" said the group.

Mr. Martinez at a press conference revealed the group told the Cuban government it is "essential" to grant "political space" for the participation of people who think differently to the regime.

The Cuban government and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque particularly are looking forward to advancing the dialogue with the EU, revealed Mr. Martinez.

"They are most willing to sit down at the table and discuss with us all the issues regarding human rights, the Judiciary and the correctional system and also regarding a multi-party elections system in Cuba" he continued.

Mr. Martinez said he found "great pluralism" among the different (opposition) groups, though they all agree in calling for the release of the jailed dissidents. Among the non government leaders the EU Committee met include well known personalities such as Oswaldo Paya, Manuel Cuesta Morua, Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo and Vladimiro Roca.

"Most of those with whom we met, I would put by head on the block and say they have nothing to do with the Untied States. On the contrary, they are critical of the blockade and condemn U.S. policy" highlighted Mr. Martinez who also blasted the U.S. trade embargo and argued that Europe needs to rapidly dissociate itself from Washington's Cuban policy.