MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

USA doubts “effectiveness” of EU Cuba policy

United States Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick doubted Tuesday the effectiveness of the Europe Union's softening diplomatic stance towards Cuba and advocated focusing efforts on the island's “future”.

"Some member states in Europe suggest that a different focus will offer better opportunities for dissidents to participate in the Cuban society. That is not what we have seen. In fact, there is greater repression" emphasized Mr. Zoellick in Brussels who is wrapping up a tour of thirteen European countries.

Nevertheless the US official acknowledged "the support in European countries for United States and other countries effort to push for a resolution on Cuba" at the United Nations Human Rights Commission meeting currently taking place in Geneva.

During his meetings with European authorities Mr. Zoellick emphasized he had "conducted conversations on Cuba's future", because whatever the situation is today, "we want to create greater opportunities for freedom and democracy in Cuba".

The Cuban people "could join other countries in Latin America, in Europe, that have the chance (to enjoy) political and economic freedoms" concluded Mr. Zoellick.