QATAR-CUBA REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000326 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CCA (ZAMBRANO) E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2019 TAGS: PREL ETRD ETTC CU QA SUBJECT: QATAR-CUBA REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT REF: SECSTATE 48487 Classified By: Ambassador Joseph E. LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b and d). ¶1. (C) In response to reftel request, Post provides the following information on Qatar's relations with Cuba. ¶2. (SBU) Has the host country, in Post's opinion, worked to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba? -- Post has no evidence that Qatar has worked to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba. ¶3. (SBU) 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? -- No. ¶4. (SBU) Have there been any high-level diplomatic visits between Cuba and the host country in the past six months? -- Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Marcos Rodriguez Costa visited Qatar in late March as an observer at the Arab League Summit. ¶5. (C) What is the nature of investments (and names, if known) that host country businesses have in Cuba? -- Qatar is expanding its investment in the Cuban tourism sector. A hotel in Cayo Largo is currently under construction, and Qatari investors have options to build several others. -- In May, Cuba and Qatar held meetings as part of the Havana Tourism Fair. A representative from Qatar suggested that Cuba would be a principal area for future Qatari investments. ¶6. (SBU) Are there any bilateral trade agreements or other cooperative agreements between host country and Cuba? The signed agreements in place between Qatar and Cuba include: -- A 2007 agreement on the avoidance of dual taxation and the prevention of financial evasion regarding income tax. -- A 2006 agreement on administrative assistance for a customs law to prevent, track, and fight customs crimes. -- A 2006 air transport agreement. -- A 2005 agreement on encouragement and protection of investments. ¶7. (SBU) 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? -- According to an August, 2008 statement by Qatar's Ambassador to Cuba, 50 Cuban doctors and paramedical personnel are working in Qatar as part of a bilateral agreement. -- Qatar's National Council for Culture, Art, and Heritage has a cooperation agreement with the Cuban Cultural Ministry. Cuba occasionally participates in some Qatari cultural events such as the Doha International Book Fair. Other than occasional visits, Post is unaware of any ongoing exchange programs in the medical field or otherwise. LeBaron