EU to assess lifted sanctions on Cuba under Czech presidency

The European Union will evaluate its previous lifting of sanctions against Cuba during the Czech EU presidency, Deputy Foreign Minister Helena Bambasová revealed on Friday after meeting Spain’s Secretary of State for the EU Diego Lopez Garrido. The EU lifted sanctions on Cuba back in June in order to try and improve dialogue with the country. The Czech Republic, known for its resolute criticism of Cuba’s regime, at first opposed the step, but consented on the grounds that the situation would be assessed annually. By comparison, Spain pushed strongly for the lifting of sanctions after Fidel Castro stepped down. Mrs Bambasová stressed that although Prague and Madrid had different attitudes towards Cuba in the long run, they shared the same goals for democracy to be established and human rights to be respected in Cuba.