GERMAN FOREIGN OFFICE AND BUNDESTAG MEMBER ON CUBA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BERLIN 000295 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM EUN CU GM SUBJECT: GERMAN FOREIGN OFFICE AND BUNDESTAG MEMBER ON CUBA REF: A. STATE 18317 ¶B. STATE 20108 ¶C. STATE 20208 Classified By: Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Jeffrey Rathke for reasons 1.4(b)/(d) ¶1. (C) Summary: German Foreign Office Latin America Commissioner Gerhard Schroembgens underscored German support for the EU's dual-track approach to Cuba and told us that Germany has called on EU Development Commissioner Michel to meet with opposition and civil society figures while in Havana. PolMC and Schroembgens also discussed the status of the "Prisoners of Conscience" declaration and insights that Schroembgens gained on his recent visit to Washington and Miami (reftel C). Separately, post is working with a like-minded parliamentarian to encourage German statements of support for the Cuba goals articulated by the U.S. Chancellor Merkel's May visit to Latin America may provide a valuable opportunity to advance this objective. End Summary. Foreign Office Views on Cuba -------------- ¶2. (C) On March 4, PolMinCouns met with Ambassador Gerhard Schroembgens, Latin America Commissioner at the German Foreign Office. PolMC reiterated points outlined in reftel A demarche (which post delivered on February 24) and reftel B demarche (which PolOff delivered on February 28). Schroembgens said that Germany agrees with the USG view that, despite recent changes in Cuban leadership, there has been no fundamental change in political conditions. Schroembgens commented that the EU will continue to adhere to its 'dual track' approach by engaging both government officials and civil society. He added that, as an example of this approach in the cultural sector, the German embassy in Havana recently sponsored a successful screening of the German film, "The Lives of Others," which was well attended by both Cuban officials and the public. (Note: "The Lives of Others," which won the 2007 Oscar for best foreign film, focuses on the life and evolution of a Stasi official under the GDR and his quiet opposition to the suppressive regime under which he worked. End note.) ¶3. (C) Schroembgens said Germany agreed that EU Development Commissioner Michel should meet with opposition and civil society figures while in Havana and said Germany had underscored this view in EU COLAT discussions in advance of Michel's trip. In a separate meeting February 29, PolOff spoke with MFA office director for Central America and the Caribbean Karl-Otto Koenig about the Michel visit. Koenig offered a much more skeptical view of the U.S. points, demonstrating that there is not necessarily a unified view, even within the Foreign Office, on developments in Cuba and how to respond to them. Koenig indicated that Cuba's recent signing of the two UN conventions (on civil and political rights and on economic, social, and cultural rights) indicated that Raul Castro is interested in positive change. Koenig acknowledged that not enough has happened in the way of reform, but that, in his view, Castro has thus far made a positive impression. ¶4. (C) Concerning ongoing discussions within the EU about the draft resolution of a UN "Declaration on Prisoners of Conscience," Schroembgens noted that some member states were concerned that the text is too squarely focused on Cuba and does not address other countries where political prisoners are a concern, such as North Korea. (Comment: Although Schroembgens did not specifically articulate a German viewpoint on this issue, he seemed to personally align himself with this perspective.) He deflected discussion, suggesting that movement on this issue would rest with the Slovenian EU Presidency. ¶5. (C) Schroembgens was appreciative of the opportunity to meet with USG officials on his recent trip to Washington. He found the meetings at the Department particularly helpful. Schroembgens said Germany appreciated the measured language in USG statements on Cuba (as well as on Venezuela, he noted). In meetings with representatives of the Cuban-American National Foundation and "Consenso Cubano" in Miami, Schroembgens said the groups told him they do not anticipate much change before the 2008 U.S. presidential elections, nor would they call for a wholesale abandonment of the embargo with a new administration. Rather, they would like to see some easing of travel restrictions and remittance limits, in exchange for measurable change by the Cuban government. Parliamentary Outreach -------------- BERLIN 00000295 002 OF 002 ¶6. (C) PolOff met March 6 with CDU/CSU parliamentarian Arnold Vaatz, who is active on human rights issues, particularly Cuba. Vaatz pointed out that Chancellor Merkel had not yet commented publicly on the transition of Cuban leadership (in contrast with FM Steinmeier and President Koehler, who both issued official statements in response). As Germany approaches what promises to be a tight election in 2009, Vaatz said he doubted that the CDU/CSU would publicly raise Cuba as an issue. Vaatz agreed with PolOff's view that the Chancellor's upcoming trip to Latin America in May presented a useful opportunity to raise the issue of human rights and the plight of political prisoners in Cuba (Merkel earned praise for spotlighting human rights in Zimbabwe during the 2007 EU-Africa Summit). Toward that end, Vaatz said he would engage the Chancellery on this possibility. Post will remain engaged with the Chancellery to this end as well. KOENIG