GOF DECLINES TO RESPOND IN DETAIL TO LIBERTAD ACT

UNCLAS PARIS 000350

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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