CZECH REPUBLIC: REVIEW FOR WAIVER OF TITLE III OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000590

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2017
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREF CU EZ
SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC: REVIEW FOR WAIVER OF TITLE III OF
THE LIBERTAD ACT

REF: A. STATE 65523


B. 06 PRAGUE 1488

Classified By: Pol-Econ Counselor Mike Dodman for Reasons 1.4 B&D


1. (U) The Czech Republic has actively advocated for
democracy and human rights in Cuba since its own transition
from a totalitarian regime in 1989. Former Czech President
Vaclav Havel, an internationally recognized human rights
activist, established the Czech government's principled
approach to Cuba during his administration. Subsequent Czech
political leaders have continued his policy of supporting the
peaceful democratic dissident movement in Cuba, and calling
for the release of all political prisoners. The MFA's
Transition Cooperation Unit (TRANS) provides financial
support to Czech NGOs such as People in Need, who provide
humanitarian aid, capacity training, and other support for
dissidents and their families and for journalists in Cuba.


2. (C) Since joining the EU in 2004, the Czech Republic has
advocated for a tougher common policy on Cuba. In the run-up
to the June 2007 GAERC meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers,
the Czech Republic appears to be the only EU country calling
for the reinstatement of the EU "June Measures" that restrict
contacts between EU members and the Cuban regime. regardless
of whether the June Measures are formally abolished, Czech
policy will not change. The Czech Republic will continue to
eschew contacts with the Castro regime, actively support
dissidents, and condemn Cuban human rights violations within
the UN and the EU. The Czech Republic does not recognize
Raul Castro as the legitimate successor to Fidel Castro.


3. (U) The Czech Republic does not have any foreign
investments in Cuba. As an EU member state, the GOCR does
not have any bilateral trade agreements, including with Cuba.
There are, however, no trade restriction on private
companies that want to do business in Cuba. According to the
Ministry of Industry Trade (MPO),private trade between the
two nations is on the rise. MPO U.S. Desk Officer Vaclav
Maly reported that trade with Cuba increased from US$4
million in 2002 to US$34 million in 2006. While a sharp
increase, the 2006 number is still comparatively small, as
Cuba is the Czech Republic's 80th largest trade partner.
There are no student exchange programs.
GRABER