CUBA: NSC-DIRECTED REVIEW REGARDING SUSPENSION OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 005564 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/09/2015 TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CO UN SUBJECT: CUBA: NSC-DIRECTED REVIEW REGARDING SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT REF: STATE 96300 Classified By: Charge d Affairs Milton K. Drucker for reasons 1.5(b&d). ¶1. (C) Concern over potential Cuban support for armed guerrilla groups affects Colombia's cautious Cuba policy. Cuban influence is assumed in the recently failed Mexican-brokered peace talks between the GOC and the National Liberation Army (ELN). Rumors of Cuban-sponsored campaign financing for sympathetic Colombian politicians have increased in the run-up to the 2006 March Congressional elections. While Colombia has cut off and reestablished diplomatic relations with Cuba multiple times in the past, the bilateral relationship is currently stable, with Colombia generally exercising a "hand's off" policy. ¶2. (U) Colombia has not been a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR) since 2001. Colombia abstained on the Cuba Resolution in 2001. ¶3. (C) Post is not aware of significant new investments in Cuba over the past six months. DRUCKER