CZECH DIPLOMAT EXPELLED FROM CUBA: CAUTIONARY TALE?

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000509 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2016 TAGS: PREL KDEM CU EZ EUN SUBJECT: CZECH DIPLOMAT EXPELLED FROM CUBA: CAUTIONARY TALE? REF: A. PRAGUE 0388 ¶B. HAVANA 9469 ¶C. BRATISLAVA 0359 Classified By: Acting Political-Economic Counselor Karen C. Reider for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. Poloff met April 28 with Stanislav Kazecky, the Czech diplomat recently expelled from Cuba (ref A). Kazecky observed that the human rights situation in Cuba appears to be worsening, and shared tips on effective "public diplomacy" in a closed society. End summary. ¶2. (C) Kazecky said he believes he was expelled because of Czech policy on Cuba, not because of anything he personally did. He denied GOC allegations that he was engaged in improper or intelligence-related activities. In response to news of his expulsion, Kazecky received sympathy from the EU diplomatic community in Cuba and the U.S. Interests Section. He said his expulsion was a "wake-up call" for them, as they now realize it could happen to them because they are all -- including the Spanish -- engaged in pro-dissident activities. (Note: it is too soon to say whether this expulsion will cause the EU diplomatic corps to proceed more cautiously when meeting with the democratic opposition in Cuba. But it is certain that the Czech MFA's Americas Director will send another activist to Cuba to replace Kazecky. End note.) ¶3. (C) Kazecky said he believes the human rights situation in Cuba is worsening, and "acts of repudiation" are increasing in frequency and severity. He cited the example of the vicious beating of leading Cuban dissident Martha Beatrice Roque (ref B). He also noted that the Cuban government has handed down an increasing number of short prison sentences to punish people perceived to be standing in the way of the regime. ¶4. (C) Kazecky commented on the Castro's regime's success in demonizing the U.S., and shared his thoughts on public outreach that could help counter the regime's efforts (he emphasized these are his personal views, not necessarily those of the Czech government): (1) explore alternative ways to explain that the American people support the Cuban people, contrary to what Castro says; (2) increase Radio Marti's audience by broadcasting more information about American lifestyles, sports (especially baseball),and popular music; (3) target Cuban youth, who are typically apolitical, by supporting programs that permit them to participate in group activities focused on art, music, and/or sports; (4) establish libraries that provide, in addition to literature of a political nature, popular reading materials -- such as novels and encyclopedias for children -- to attract ordinary, apolitical Cubans; and (5) increase Internet access for Cubans, perhaps by establishing a cyber caf at the U.S. Interests Section. (He noted that the Czechs and other EU missions are taking steps to increase Internet access for Cubans.) ¶5. (C) Comment: Kazecky's expulsion may be the first sign of Castro's growing disenchantment with the EU. The recall of the Cuban Ambassador to the Slovak Republic may be another (ref C). Other retaliatory acts against EU member states, especially against those who are outspoken in their criticism, could follow. ¶6. (C) The Czech MFA regards Kazecky as a principled, dedicated, and successful on-island advocate for democracy in Cuba. His outreach to Cuban dissidents provoked a diplomatic note from the Cuban government last fall. Post will continue to work with the Czechs on their Cuban initiatives and will share ideas for best practices as they emerge. CABANISS