C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001493

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2017
TAGS: CU ECON EINT PREL TINT XG XL IT
SUBJECT: CUBA AND INTERNET FREEDOM

REF: STATE 89911

Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor David D. Pearce for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Poloff raised reftel points with MFA Caribbean and
Central America Office Director Michele Pala on July 9. He
also provided detailed background information and urged that
the GOI look for opportunities to help expand internet access
for Cuban civil society.


2. (C) Pala said that Italy is aware of the Cuban
Government's efforts to restrict internet access. He
emphasized that Italy's policy toward Cuba includes dialog
with the political opposition, but that because of the small
size of the Italian embassy in Havana, offering internet
access to Cubans there would not be practical.
BORG