NETHERLANDS/CUBA: CONTINUING ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000044 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2020 TAGS: PHUM PREL SOCI CU NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/CUBA: CONTINUING ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY REF: SECSTATE 131637 Classified By: DCM Edwin Nolan for reasons 1.4(b,d) ¶1. (C) The Dutch expect the EU to continue its two-track policy of engaging both the Cuban government and Cuban civil society. DCM raised reftel points with Laurent Stokvis, Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Dutch MFA, on January 20. Stokvis indicated that he expected the EU would continue its two-track policy under the Spanish presidency. He acknowledged there was some concern about whether Spain would soften the EU approach toward Cuba, and noted the recent visit of Spanish FM Moratinos to Cuba during which some in the EU felt he exceeded his mandate. Still, after Cuba subsequently released two political prisoners, no one was objecting to Moratinos, efforts. ¶2. (C) The Netherlands will also continue the two-track policy. Stokvis had planned to travel to Havana early in 2010, but canceled his trip because the Cubans had failed to agree to GONL proposals to meet with civil society. The Dutch want a broad dialogue (e.g., human rights, science, economic matters) but realize the visit will have a symbolic value that will be lost if they do not speak with dissidents. The Dutch believe the situation in Cuba is getting worse, with more economic and human rights restrictions. LEVIN