Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Thursday, 21 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 February 2008. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 February 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Cuba: Elections

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he intends to support the US Administration in its efforts to campaign for democratic elections in Cuba.

Answer: The UK and US share the same goal of transition to democracy in Cuba. UK policy is based on a 1996 European Common Position, which states that:"““The main objective of the European Union in its relations with Cuba is to encourage a process of peaceful transition to a pluralistic democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people””"and that"““the EU will intensify the present dialogue with the Cuban authorities and with all sectors of Cuban society””."

Secondary information