LACK OF INTERNET FREEDOM IN CUBA SURPRISES

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000364 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHA/CAR FOR JACKIE ROSHOLT, WHA/CCA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV TINT CU VE NS SUBJECT: LACK OF INTERNET FREEDOM IN CUBA SURPRISES SURINAMESE OFFICIAL REF: SECSTATE 89911 ¶1. EmbOff delivered message from reftel to Terence Craig, Head of the Americas Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Suriname (GOS),on July 10. EmbOff also dropped off copies of a Reporters Without Borders article on the lack of internet freedom in Cuba for Craig and co-workers. Craig and a colleague at the meeting expressed surprise that internet freedom was so restricted in Cuba, and appeared interested in reading the article. ¶2. Post attempted to place the Reporters Without Borders article with local newspapers and stir coverage of the issue, but no subsequent coverage ensued. NOTE: Surinamese newspapers regularly print information which appears to stem from Cuban and Venezuelan outlets. While they are receptive to covering U.S.-held events or assistance, they rarely place State Department-generated material. END NOTE ¶3. Post will report any further reaction from the GOS. SCHREIBER HUGHES