|
"Today another Wall has started to fall," EU foreign policy
chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement. "These moves
represent a victory of dialogue over confrontation."
European governments, while critical of Cuban human rights
abuses, have long urged Washington to follow them in improving
relations with the communist-ruled island, especially since the
end of the Cold War and the collapse of Cuba's Soviet sponsor.
Mogherini said the EU, which lifted diplomatic sanctions on Cuba
in 2008, favored dialogue. In April, it began negotiations on a
cooperation agreement, although Cuba recently put off talks that
were due to have discussed human rights.
"Human rights remain at the heart of EU policy towards Cuba,"
said Mogherini, a former Italian foreign minister.
She also thanked Pope Francis for his "wisdom" in helping to
mediate between Havana and Washington.
(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
|
