Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08VILNIUS1040
2008-12-11 06:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Vilnius
Cable title:
LITHUANIAN ACTIVITY TOWARD CUBA
how-toVZCZCXYZ0002 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHVL #1040 3460600 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 110600Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY VILNIUS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3155 INFO RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA CU PRIORITY 0011
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
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