EU and Cuba sign deal to normalise ties after years of concern over human rights
Brussels — The EU and Cuba signed a deal on Monday to normalise ties blocked for decades by concern over human-rights abuses under the late Fidel Castro. Cuba was the only Latin American country not to have a "dialogue and co-operation" deal with the 28-nation EU covering issues such as trade, human rights and migration. But EU ministers last week dropped a policy, in place since 1996, in terms of which Cuba first had to improve its human rights record before closer links with the bloc. Monday’s accord was signed by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and representatives of EU member states at a Brussels ceremony capping years of difficult negotiations. Mogherini offered condolences on Castro’s death, telling reporters it was "only natural that we are closer to Cuba as it undergoes profound change". She said she was also "very encouraged" by dialogue with Havana on human rights, and the accord would help foster Cuba’s social a...
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