European Commission proposes rapprochement with Cuba

By Neysi Hernandez

HAVANA (AA) - The European Commission on Thursday formally proposed EU countries support an agreement for cooperation and political dialogue with Cuba and eliminate a 20-year-old common policy position.

"This contractual agreement creates a clear common framework for intensified political dialogue, greater cooperation in a wide range of policy areas and a valuable platform to develop joint actions in regional and international affairs," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in presenting the proposal to the European Council.

Mogherini also urged the bloc to "formally repeal" the common position imposed in 1996 by former Spanish President Jose Maria Aznar that greatly limits political and diplomatic relations between Brussels and Havana.

Cuban authorities have long sought the repeal of the policy in order to begin new relations with the EU and replace it with a new framework.

The EU and Cuba began negotiations on a new agreement in April 2014 and completed the pact in March at a ceremony in Havana.

Both parties have also established a formal dialogue on human rights.

It is hoped the adoption of the two proposals represent a "turning point in EU-Cuba relations”, the European Council said in a statement.

"The bilateral agreement between the EU and Cuba is the result of a fruitful and constructive work we have done together, and marks a turning point in our relationship," according to Mogherini.

The Council will consider the proposals before final adoption and a signing of the agreement will take place "in the coming months," it said.