QATAR-CUBA REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000682

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CCA (ZAMBRANO)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2019
TAGS: PREL ETRD ETTC CU QA
SUBJECT: QATAR-CUBA REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF
THE LIBERTAD ACT

REF: SECSTATE 115416

Classified By: Ambassador Joseph E. LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b and d).


1. (C) In response to reftel request, Embassy Doha 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?

-- We have 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?

-- The Embassy is aware of no high level diplomatic visits
over the last six months.

-- Cuba has an Embassy in Doha, staffed by a resident
Ambassador. Qatar does not have a permanent diplomatic
mission in Havana.


5. (C) What is the nature of investments (and names, if
known) that host country businesses have in Cuba?

-- A $75 million dollar investment in a joint hotel project
with by Qatari Resorts Company and Cuba's Gran Antilla SA
under the name Gran Paraiso.


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, we are unaware of any ongoing exchange
programs except as noted above.
LeBaron