Rammell to raise human rights concerns with Cuba

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell will use his visit to Cuba to raise human rights concerns directly with the Cuban government.

The visit comes after Cuba decided to re-establish contacts with eight EU countries, with which it severed communications in June 2003 in protest at their embassies entertaining Cuban dissidents.

Mr Rammell is due to meet Cuban government ministers, the head of the anti-drugs unit, the Archbishop of Havana and NGOs operating in Cuba.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Rammell said: “I am pleased to be visiting Cuba following the suspension of the EU 2003 June measures. We have an important agenda with Cuba: the fight against drugs, money-laundering and child abuse; and our EU & G8 priorities. Importantly, I will have the opportunity to raise our human rights concerns directly with the Cuban government. I will also be able to meet members of the peaceful opposition.”