Defying U.S., EU scraps Cuba sanctions
Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:45pm EDT
By Ingrid Melander and David Brunnstrom
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union states agreed on Thursday to scrap sanctions against Cuba in a move aimed at encouraging democratic reforms on the Communist island, officials said.
The lifting, agreed despite U.S. calls for the world to remain tough on Havana, will pave the way for a new dialogue with Cuba but come with calls that it address human rights concerns and free political prisoners.
Relations would be reviewed in one year, they said.
--MORE--
By Ingrid Melander and David Brunnstrom
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union states agreed on Thursday to scrap sanctions against Cuba in a move aimed at encouraging democratic reforms on the Communist island, officials said.
The lifting, agreed despite U.S. calls for the world to remain tough on Havana, will pave the way for a new dialogue with Cuba but come with calls that it address human rights concerns and free political prisoners.
Relations would be reviewed in one year, they said.
--MORE--