NORWAY'S LIBERTAD ACT REVIEW

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