EU 'optimistic' after Cuba visit (of course)
EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel has ended a visit to Cuba, optimistic that relations with the communist state will strengthen. The EU is Cuba's largest trading partner, but diplomatic relations have been frozen for almost two years. Europe has criticised Cuba over its imprisonment of 75 dissidents and execution of three hijackers. Earlier this year, Europe decided temporarily to lift its diplomatic sanctions for a six-month trial period. Mr Michel said he had left Cuba far more positive than when he arrived. The former Belgian foreign minister appeared particularly heartened by his meeting with President Fidel Castro. The two men held what the commissioner described as a "deep conversation" until the early hours of Saturday morning. Mr Michel also met leading Cuban dissidents and some of the relatives of those critics of Mr Castro who were imprisoned two years ago.
...
Methinks Mr Michel is rather easily amused persuaded.
Posted by: .com 2005-03-28 |