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Viewing cable 07PARIS350, GOF DECLINES TO RESPOND IN DETAIL TO LIBERTAD ACT

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
07PARIS350 2007-01-30 13:33 2011-08-24 01:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Paris
VZCZCXRO2519
PP RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV
DE RUEHFR #0350 0301333
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 301333Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY PARIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4532
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
UNCLAS PARIS 000350 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ETRD ETTC CU FR PINS PREL PROP EUN
SUBJECT: GOF DECLINES TO RESPOND IN DETAIL TO LIBERTAD ACT 
EXEMPTION QUESTIONS 
 
REF: 06 STATE 191752 
 
1.  (SBU) SUMMARY:  After the MFA Cuba desk officer delayed 
for a month responding to USG reftel requests for an update 
on French activities in Cuba during 2006, then stated he did 
not intend to do so, DAS-equivalent Blandine Kreiss affirmed 
January 26 that the GOF objected to the extraterritorial 
reach of the Helms-Burton economic embargo and that the GOF 
therefore would not respond to USG questions related to the 
renewal of France's exemption from Libertad Act sanctions. 
Kreiss cited a 1998 agreement between the United States and 
the European Union as justification for suspending 
Helms-Burton reporting requirements and concluded by 
expressing the hope that this stance would not lead to a U.S. 
reaction, especially "at this time of transition in Cuba." 
END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  (SBU)  In a January 26 conversation, DAS-equivalent 
Blandine Kreiss confirmed to POL Deputy a January 23 written 
response from MFA Desk officer for Cuba Othman El Kachtoul to 
Poloff, to the effect that the GOF rejected as a matter of 
principle the extra-territorial reach of Helms-Burton and 
therefore would not respond as a matter of principle to USG 
inquiries related to the renewal of France's exemption from 
possible Libertad Act sanctions.  Both El Kachtoul and Kreiss 
cited the 1997 and 1998 agreements between the United States 
and the European Union suspending Title III of the 
Helms-Burton Amendment as justification for this refusal. 
 
3.  (SBU)  Kreiss and El Kachtoul stated clearly that France 
largely shares U.S. policy objectives of encouraging 
democratization on the island.  El Kachtoul had earlier 
indicated that France supported liberating all political 
prisoners and encouraged a process of transition toward 
democratic pluralism and respect for human rights, as well as 
improving the standard of living of the Cuban people.  He 
noted in addition France's support in the UN Human Rights 
Council its support for a resolution on Cuba. 
 
4.  (SBU) Without enumerating specific French activities but 
referring indirectly to French intentions for the future, 
Kreiss noted continuing contact between France and civil 
society figures in Cuba and referred to a French invitation 
to invite Cuban journalists to France in coming weeks. 
Kreiss concluded with the hope that the GOF refusal to answer 
explicit questions about French activities in Cuba would not 
lead to a U.S. reaction, especially "at this time of 
transition in Cuba." 
Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm 
 
STAPLETON