NSC-DIRECTED REVIEW REGARDING SUSPENSION OF TITLE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINGSTON 001447 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CAR (BENT) SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD AND J7 E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2015 TAGS: PREL ETTC ETRD CU JM TIP SUBJECT: NSC-DIRECTED REVIEW REGARDING SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT REF: A. STATE 96300 ¶B. KINGSTON 03217 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Ronald S. Robinson for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) Post is unaware of any recent measures taken by the GOJ to advance democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. Post has no evidence that the GOJ has substantially changed its policies or actions toward Cuba in the six months since the submission of our last assessment in December 2004 (Ref B). Jamaica continues to maintain cordial, if not warm, diplomatic relations with Cuba, its close geographical neighbor. ¶2. (C) As reported Ref B, Post continues to believe that suspension of the right to bring action in U.S. courts against entities and nationals trafficking in confiscated properties in Cuba is necessary to U.S. interests. In particular, singling out Jamaican entities or nationals for prosecution would be counterproductive in achieving other USG objectives, including cooperation over Haiti, conclusion of an Article 98 Agreement, cooperation in better addressing the issue of trafficking in persons, and the continued, expeditious repatriation of Jamaican deportees. In Post's view, proceeding with the implementation of Title III of the Libertad Act would seriously complicate, perhaps even compromise, our efforts in these areas. ROBINSON