CZECH PLANNING FOR DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000277 SIPDIS WHA/CCA, EUR/NCE FOR ATRATENSEK, EUR/ERA FOR NOTALLAH E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2010 TAGS: KDEM PHUM PREL CU EZ EUN SUBJECT: CZECH PLANNING FOR DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE CUBAN PEOPLE REF: A. STATE 46997 ¶B. STATE 45792 ¶C. PRAGUE 246 ¶D. PRAGUE 138 ¶E. PRAGUE 125 Classified By: Polec Counselor Michael Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d). ¶1. (SBU) The Czechs are actively engaged in advancing human rights in Cuba throughout the year, and particularly on significant dates such as UN Human Rights Day or to mark the March 18, 2003 anniversary of the arrest of Cuban journalists. Following WHA DAS Kirsten Madison's April visit to Prague (reftel C),there have been three noteworthy activities undertaken by the well respected NGO People in Need (PIN),all of which are, or will be, supported in some measure by Embassy Prague, to highlight the plight of human rights in Cuba. These activities include: 1. A policy paper on the current situation in Cuba with recommendations for the EU, 2. An international human rights film festival, 3. Planning for the May 21 "Day of Solidarity." -------------- PIN Policy Paper - Coming Soon -------------- ¶2. (C) In late April PIN began working with its NGO counterparts throughout Europe on a policy paper related to the current situation in Cuba with recommendations targeted at EU member state governments on the upcoming June review of the EU "common position" on Cuba. The paper, which the Embassy received as a draft and provided feedback on, is currently out for final NGO comments and support (nine European NGOs have signed on so far). The paper emphasizes the importance of maintaining pressure on the Cuban regime for the release of political prisoners, free and fair elections, and the enactment of substantive reforms, among other things. PIN plans to publish this policy paper in the next few weeks. -------------- One World Festival -------------- ¶3. (U) In Washington, DC from May 14-17, PIN will host the third phase (the first phase was held here in Prague in March, while the second phase was held in NYC in April) of the "One World" international human rights film festival. Among the films being screened will be the Cuban film "Damas de Blanco." Embassy Prague used PAS funds to support the first phase of the festival, while the third phase is being closely organized with the Czech Embassy in Washington. -------------- Planning in the Works for May 21 -------------- ¶4. (SBU) On the afternoon of May 5, on their own initiative, PIN plans to internally discuss several possible activities to highlight the May 21 "Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People" and they will contact us, and the Czech MFA, later this week regarding their ideas. Embassy Prague has expressed to PIN and the Czech MFA our willingness to work with them to publicize this day and we have begun to explore with PIN the possibility of jointly screening a Cuban film at the America Center. Graber