Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-11-16-Speech-2-141"
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"en.20041116.12.2-141"2
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"Mr President, I very much agree with Commissioner Nielson that 2003 was a sad year for EU-Cuba relations, and one of lost opportunities. I was in Cuba recently with colleagues on an ad hoc delegation. I saw for myself the enormous potential of that country – a potential unrealised at present as a result, among other things, of the US sanctions and the current situation with the European Union.
I also agree with Commissioner Nielson that we need a constructive EU policy towards Cuba. Others in this House do not seem to have been listening. Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra is not listening to me now, but he said a few moments ago that we should stand firm in demanding freedom. Mrs Malmström said that the Cubans have a right to democracy. Do they believe that people on this side of the House do not believe in human rights? They were not listening to Mr Martinez earlier on. We have made it clear that we do believe in human rights. No one in this House has ever defended the death penalty. However, we have to be realistic. After 45 years, changes will not come quickly. Some people in this House will also argue that we should never talk to political opponents if we disagree fundamentally with their political and military tactics. Where has that ever got anyone? Can anyone think of an example where that has improved the situation? I think that some people have a fairly naive understanding of democracy and the way things work. I could respond to Mr Tannock's rather pathetic remarks, but it belittles this debate to bring in all sorts of other issues when we are talking about Cuba. I would remind Mr Tannock and others, when they are looking for parallels or examples around the world, that in different circumstances the UK Government never got anywhere with the Irish situation until we were prepared to enter into very difficult negotiations with our political opponents, people with whom we disagreed fundamentally. That is the only way we are going to achieve peace in the Middle East. We have to have dialogue in countries like Cuba. That is why I would argue that we need an exchange of ideas in order to promote change.
The present EU policy, founded on the issue of who is invited to summer parties – or not – does not help Cuba or Europe, and needs to be changed. I urge Members to think very carefully and support a sensible and realistic compromise text that will move the EU forward, will help Cuba and will help the world."@en1
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