CUBA - LIBERTAD ACT RESPONSE FROM POLAND

UNCLAS WARSAW 001405 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CCA DMCFARLAND E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU PL SUBJECT: CUBA - LIBERTAD ACT RESPONSE FROM POLAND REF: SECSTATE 126578 ¶1. (U) Post provides the following in response to ref A questions. ¶2. (U) Promotion of democracy and human rights in Cuba: Poland has an excellent track record with respect to supporting freedom and democracy in Cuba, and believes that its experience in the Solidarity trade movement and its own transition from communism to a vibrant democracy give it particular expertise to share with the Castro regime's opponents. ¶3. (SBU) Public Statements: Daniel Gromann, Counselor in the MFA's Americas Division (and until August 2007 Poland's Charge d'Affaires in Havana) told EconOff that during the last six months, Poland continued to support Cuban dissidents in internal EU discussions, and also continued its outreach through its embassy to Cuban civil society and dissidents. On May 30, a "Free Cuba" caucus was formed in the Polish parliament. The caucus has seven members from the Sejm (the lower house) and two members from the Senate. These include a number of political heavy hitters. ¶4. (SBU) High-level diplomatic visits: Gromann said that there have been no high-level diplomatic visits between Poland and Cuba in the last six months. ¶5. (SBU) Humanitarian assistance in the wake of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike: Gromann said that in a diplomatic note Poland offered EUR 70,000 in official government humanitarian assistance. Cuba rejected the offer in discussions at the Ambassadorial level, although it never sent a return diplomatic note. The Cubans stressed the rejection was in accordance with their then-policy of accepting EU aid only from Spain and Belgium, and was not intended as a "hostile gesture." ¶6. (SBU) Investment: Gromann stated he was unaware of any investment by Polish firms in Cuba. There was no Polish representation at the Havana Trade Fair on November 3. ¶7. (U) Trade Agreements: At present there are no legally-binding trade agreements between Poland and Cuba. ¶8. (SBU) Exchange Programs: There are no known exchange programs between Poland and Cuba, and certainly no Cuban-government sponsored doctors working in Poland. It is possible that a few Cubans are students in Polish universities. ASHE