GOF DECLINES TO RESPOND IN DETAIL TO LIBERTAD ACT

UNCLAS PARIS 000341

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ETTC CU FR PINS PREL PROP EUN
SUBJECT: GOF DECLINES TO RESPOND IN DETAIL TO LIBERTAD ACT
EXEMPTION QUESTIONS

REF: 06 STATE 191752


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: After the MFA Cuba desk officer delayed
for a month responding to USG reftel requests for an update
on French activities in Cuba during 2006, then stated he
did not intend to do so, DAS-equivalent Blandine Kreiss
affirmed January 26 that the GOF objected to the
extraterritorial reach of the Helms-Burton economic embargo
and that the GOF therefore would not respond to USG
questions related to the renewal of France's exemption from
Libertad Act sanctions. Kreiss cited a 1998 agreement
between the United States and the European Union as
justification for suspending Helms-Burton reporting
requirements and concluded by expressing the hope that this
stance would not lead to a U.S. reaction, especially "at
this time of transition in Cuba." END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) In a January 26 conversation, DAS-equivalent
Blandine Kreiss confirmed to POL Deputy a January 23
written response from MFA Desk officer for Cuba Othman El
Kachtoul to Poloff, to the effect that the GOF rejected as
a matter of principle the extra-territorial reach of
Helms-Burton and therefore would not respond as a matter of
principle to USG inquiries related to the renewal of
France's exemption from possible Libertad Act sanctions.
Both El Kachtoul and Kreiss cited the 1997 and 1998
agreements between the United States and the European Union
suspending Title III of the Helms-Burton Amendment as
justification for this refusal.


3. (SBU) Kreiss and El Kachtoul stated clearly that
France largely shares U.S. policy objectives of encouraging
democratization on the island. El Kachtoul had earlier
indicated that France supported liberating all political
prisoners and encouraged a process of transition toward
democratic pluralism and respect for human rights, as well
as improving the standard of living of the Cuban people.
He noted in addition France's support in the UN Human
Rights Council its support for a resolution on Cuba.


4. (SBU) Without enumerating specific French activities
but referring indirectly to French intentions for the
future, Kreiss noted continuing contact between France and
civil society figures in Cuba and referred to a French
invitation to invite Cuban journalists to France in coming
weeks. Kreiss concluded with the hope that the GOF
refusal to answer explicit questions about French
activities in Cuba would not lead to a U.S. reaction,
especially "at this time of transition in Cuba."
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STAPLETON