LITHUANIAN ACTIVITY TOWARD CUBA

C O N F I D E N T I A L VILNIUS 001040 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CCA:DMCFARLAND E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/11/2018 TAGS: PREL PHUM ETRD ETTC CU LH SUBJECT: LITHUANIAN ACTIVITY TOWARD CUBA REF: A. STATE 126578 ¶B. VILNIUS 484 Classified By: DCM Damian R. Leader for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) (C) The GOL has not established diplomatic relations with Cuba so dealings are limited. Please see below for answers to questions from ref a. - Has the host country, in Post's opinion, worked to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba? The GOL is not taking active steps however Lithuania is part of the Friends of a Democratic Cuba and sent representatives to the Transition to Democracy Summit in Miami in October 2006. - Has the host country made public statements or undertaken other governmental actions, such as resolutions in the national assemblies condemning human rights abuses in Cuba? Or actions in support of civil society in Cuba through host country's diplomatic missions or other fora? The Seimas (parliament) considered a resolution to start diplomatic relations with Cuba in November 2007 but it did not pass. The Baltic Working Forum on Cuba, comprised of NGOs including the International Republican Institute and the Eastern Europe Studies Center, sponsored a forum, linking the Baltic Experience to the Promotion of Democracy in Cuba, in October ¶2007. The event was held at the Seimas building and was attended by Lithuanian MPs as well as representatives from the other European states and Cuba. - Have there been any high-level diplomatic visits between Cuba and the host country in the past six months? No. - Did the host country offer or deliver humanitarian or other assistance to the Cuban people in the wake of the major damage caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike? No, however the GOL does contribute dues to the EU's overall humanitarian assistance fund. - What is the nature of investments that host country businesses have in Cuba? What host country businesses participated in the Havana Trade Fair? Post is unaware of any Lithuanian investment in Cuba. The Statistics Department does not list Cuba as a separate Lithuanian investment destination. Five Lithuanian companies sent representatives to the Trade Fair: ICC Lietuva (delegation organizer),JSC Bendoriu (construction),JSC Betaforma (construction),JSC SMS Eligita (food),and JSC Elmonta (electro-mounting). The visit was arranged in cooperation with the Cuban Embassy in Helsinki. - Are there any bilateral trade agreements or other cooperative agreements between host country and Cuba? No. - Are there any exchange programs between host country and Cuba, including but not limited to: scholarships for host country nationals to study in Cuba; Cuban-paid medical travel for host country nationals; and Cuban doctors working in host country? No. CLOUD