• Submitted by: manso
• International
• 11 / 04 / 2010

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From the Spanish newspaper Siglo XXI: The minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Trinidad Jiménez, said that the accord reached in the European Union regarding Cuba allows the opening of "a new stage in the relations" with the Cuban government.

Addressing the Senate, Jiménez said the accord is fruit of "a new consensus being articulated around the positions that Spain has traditionally maintained."

She stressed that "a change" is occurring in Cuba that requires a dialogue so the reforms may consolidate and pointed out that the Spanish Government has maintained "a prudent but demanding and active diplomacy" toward the Cuban government.

Jiménez stated that "the absence of dialogue never produces results. Results are obtained with a dialogue that leaves no issue untouched" and added that it can now "be said with legitimate satisfaction that the dialogue with Cuba has been extensive."

The minister explained that the EU's new position regarding Cuba, which establishes a channel of direct communication between both parties, will allow [the EU and Cuba] "to overcome the unilateralism" that has existed in their relationship for years.

She also referred to the defense of human rights as a "fundamental pillar" that always predominates in the European Union's relationship with any country in the world, which led her to guarantee that the accords made with the island in the future will be linked to that issue.

Source: /miamiherald.typepad.com/cuban_colada/2010/11/