Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08OSLO656
2008-12-08 13:57:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

NORWAY'S LIBERTAD ACT REVIEW

Tags:  ETRD ETTC PREL CU NO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNY #0656 3431357
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 081357Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7206
C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000656 

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/CCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2018
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU NO
SUBJECT: NORWAY'S LIBERTAD ACT REVIEW

REF: A. (A) STATE 126578

B. (B) OSLO 286

Classified By: Political Counselor Kristen Bauer for reasons 1.4 (b) an
d (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000656

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/CCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2018
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU NO
SUBJECT: NORWAY'S LIBERTAD ACT REVIEW

REF: A. (A) STATE 126578

B. (B) OSLO 286

Classified By: Political Counselor Kristen Bauer for reasons 1.4 (b) an
d (d)


1. (C) The paragraphs in this cable are keyed to questions in
reftel (A),paragraph 5. Poloff met with Kjersti Rodsmoen,
MFA Latin America section director to discuss Cuba policy.
Norway continues to pursue a strategy of limited engagement
toward Cuba in order to advance human rights and, indirectly,
democracy. On October 29, 2008 Norway hosted a seminar on
Economic, Social, and Cultural rights, which included Spain,
Switzerland and Cuba. Rodsmoen stated that the key purpose
of the conference, from Norway's perspective, was to begin a
dialogue with Cuba on human rights. As noted in prior
Libertad report reftel (B),the GON has taken steps to reduce
friction with the Cuban regime, including ceasing to invite
Cuban dissidents to the Norwegian national holiday
celebrations in Oslo.


2. (C) In its explanation of vote on UN resolution
A/RES/63/L.4 in favor of lifting the embargo, Norway stated
"We reiterate our call on the Government of Cuba to release
unconditionally all political prisoners. We also reiterate
our call on the Cuban Government to grant freedom of
expression and free access to information." Rodsmoen said
this passage was very disappointing to the Cuban delegation.


3. (C) There have been no high-level diplomatic visits
between Cuba and Norway except the conference noted in
paragraph 1.


4. (C) Norway delivered to Cuba 3 million kroner (approx
$428k) of disaster relief through the Red Cross and 5 million
kroner (approx $714k) of disaster relief through the UN in
response to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.


5. (C) There are only a few Norwegian business interests in
Cuba, including a limited joint venture project with Indian
and Spanish oil companies, tourism, and imports of cigars.
The MFA could not confirm any Norwegian presence at the
Havana trade Fair.


6. (C) There are no bilateral trade agreements between Norway
and Cuba.


7. (C) There are no state-sponsored or sanctioned exchange
programs between Norway and Cuba.
JOHNSON