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Europe Votes to Lift Cuba Sanctions

Washington 'disappointed' by decision

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2008 8:20 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The European Union has agreed to lift sanctions against Cuba, much to the annoyance of the White House. "We see encouraging signs in Cuba and I think that we should show the population in Cuba that we are ready to work with them," an EU official tells the AFP. It's a largely symbolic victory for Cuba and Spain—which lobbied for the change—because sanctions have been suspended since 2005.

"We're disappointed," says a National Security Council spokesman. "The Castros need to take a number of steps to improve human rights conditions for ordinary Cubans before sanctions are lifted."

Cuba's former President Fidel Castro last month.
Cuba's former President Fidel Castro last month.   (AP Photo/Granma)
A man walks past graffiti that reads in Spanish Long life to Fidel Life has remained little changed in communist-run Cuba since Fidel Castro stepped down.
A man walks past graffiti that reads in Spanish "Long life to Fidel" Life has remained little changed in communist-run Cuba since Fidel Castro stepped down.   (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
Raul Castro waves to the crowd during a parade in Havana.
Raul Castro waves to the crowd during a parade in Havana.   (AP Photo/Javier Galeano)
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human rights • Spain • European Union • Fidel Castro • Cuba • sanctions • Raul Castro • National Security Council • EU External Relations Commission

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