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