EU presents itself as ally of Cuba in face of US hostility

[Judi Lynn]

EU presents itself as ally of Cuba in face of US hostility
By ASSOCIATED PRESS HAVANA — Jan 4, 2018, 6:33 PM ET



European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, left, shakes hands with Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez, in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Mogherini is on a two day visit.(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, Pool)


The European Union wants to be a reliable partner for Cuba in the face of the reversal in U.S.-Cuban relations under President Donald Trump, its foreign policy and security chief said Thursday.

Federica Mogherini said at the end of a two-day visit that the EU is a "predictable and solid" partner that can help Cuba manage a political transition and slow, halting economic opening.

The EU and Cuba last year signed an agreement that normalized diplomatic relations after a long period of stalemate over European demands for human rights improvements on the island.

"We are consistent and we do not have unpredictability in our policies, or sudden shifts," Mogherini said, in a clear dig at Trump's reversal of some elements of President Barack Obama's opening with Cuba.

Mogherini said that the EU and Havana would soon sign agreements on renewable energy, agriculture and cultural exchanges, while a European Investment Bank delegation will visit the island in January to identify new possibilities.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/eu-presents-ally-cuba-face-us-hostility-52148871

(Short article, no more at link.)

Editorials and other articles:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016199330

[Phoenix61]

1. Great, what Russia doesn't get the EU will nt

[GatoGordo]

4. There is nothing to "get" in Cuba

This is all symbolism.

Cuba isn't freeing any political prisoners.
They aren't improving their civil rights.
They are not offering the least bit of democracy.

It's the Castros thumbing their nose at the world.
North Korea lite.

[Wwcd]

2. 😞🌐 Can we be any more demoralized?

☹

[Judi Lynn]

3. EU foreign policy chief says 'blockade' of Cuba not solution

04 January 2018 - 01H20


HAVANA (AFP) -
Blockading Cuba is not the solution, the European Union's foreign policy chief said Wednesday on a trip aimed at strengthening ties with Havana, after Washington tightened restrictions on the island.

Much of the half-century-old US economic embargo against Cuba remains entrenched in law, but under former president Barack Obama federal authorities began to loosen some rules -- something his successor Donald Trump vowed to reverse.

"The blockade (of Cuba) is not the solution. The Europeans have told our American friends many times; we have affirmed it in the United Nations," Federica Mogherini said during a presentation to students and teachers in Havana.

"We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children," she said.

"The blockade is obsolete, it is illegal," Mogherini said.

More:
http://www.france24.com/en/20180104-eu-foreign-policy-chief-says-blockade-cuba-not-solution