SYRIA-CUBA: TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT,

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAMASCUS 001180

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA/ELA, WHA/CCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/11/2017
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU SY
SUBJECT: SYRIA-CUBA: TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT,
DECEMBER 2007

REF: A. SECSTATE 158768


B. DAMASCUS 483

Classified By: A/DCM Todd Holmstrom for reasons 1.4 b/d


1. (C) Per ref A, the most recent official information
available from the Syrian Central Bureau of Statistics states
that in 2006, Cuban imports to Syria totaled USD 27,000 and
Syrian exports to Cuba reached USD 1.2 million. These totals
represent over a tenfold increase in Syrian exports to Cuba
from end-of-year 2005 data (USD 106,978),but a significant
decrease in Cuban exports to Syria over the same period(USD
160,834).


2. (C) Three high-level Cuban delegations visited Syria in
the spring of 2007 (see ref B). In June 2007, the Cuban
Ambassador to Damascus met with the Syrian Minister of
Agriculture to reiterate Cuba's interest in a joint-venture
to produce veterinary vaccines. However, no subsequent
details about this project have been reported.


3. (C) The Director of International Relations at the Syrian
Ministry of Economy and Trade told EconFSN that the only
agreement in effect with Cuba is a pro forma "trade
agreement" from 1998, ratified in 2000, that Syria signs with
all "friendly" countries. The agreement gives no reduced
customs or other preferential access to either market, but is
an expression of the SARG's intent to increase and encourage
trade with Cuba, according to the SARG official.


4. (C) Post is unaware of any exchange programs between the
two countries. There are no policies or actions taken by the
SARG to advance democracy, human rights and fundamental
freedoms in Cuba.
CORBIN