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TUC calls for new European approach to Cuba

Issue date

Rt Hon David Miliband MP
Secretary of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH

Dear David

Cuba: EU relations

I understand that the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council in June will be considering the EU's relationship with Cuba, and that the UK Government is currently considering its position on that matter.

The extraterritorial aspects of the illegal US blockade of Cuba, which the TUC has discussed previously with Meg Munn through the Joint Advisory Council, and the increasingly aggressive lobbying of EU member states by the US administration to increase sanctions against the island are negatively influencing EU relations with Cuba.

On the contrary, in the light of the decision of Fidel Castro to withdraw from the position of President of Cuba, I believe that now is the time for the European Union to move on from its current 'common position' and adopt a position of constructive engagement with Cuba, including stronger diplomatic links and developments in existing trade, cultural, scientific and sporting links.

On behalf of the trade unions affiliated to the TUC (many of whom I believe you will already have heard from on this matter), I urge you to do whatever you can to ensure the EU adopts that position.

In addition, I would welcome any pressure you can bring to bear on the US administration to abandon its hostile and failed policy of economic isolation.

I should add that the TUC welcomes the UK's opposition to the US blockade of Cuba, and the UK's record in voting against the embargo at the United Nations which is also welcome.

I would be grateful for your views on how that opposition to the blockade can be developed into a more positive agenda.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary

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