US embassy cable - 05PRAGUE1658

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001658 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR WHA/CCA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2015 
TAGS: CU, PHUM, ETTC, PREL, EZ 
SUBJECT: CZECH COUNTRY REVIEW FOR WAIVER OF TITLE III OF 
THE LIBERTAD ACT 
 
REF: STATE 207359 
 
Classified By: Poloff Sarah C. Peck for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) 
 
1. (C) Summary. The Czech Republic is a staunch supporter of 
democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. 
For years it sponsored the annual Cuba human rights 
resolution in the UNCHR, and even though it is no longer a 
member of the Commission, it supports the Cuba 
country-specific resolution each year. In addition, 
high-level Czech government officials have visited and 
received Cuban dissidents in Florida and Prague to focus the 
world's attention on the abuses of the Castro regime. In 
recognition of the Czechs, high-profile commitment to Cuba, 
Caleb McCarry, the State Department,s new Cuba Transition 
Coordinator, recently visited Prague to thank the Czechs. End 
summary. 
 
2. (C) The Czech Republic has maintained an active interest 
in advocating for freedom and human rights in Cuba since its 
own transition from a totalitarian regime in 1989. First 
former President Vaclav Havel, an international recognized 
human rights activist, and then other members of the Czech 
leadership, have focused efforts on Cuba and assisting the 
exiled dissident movement. These efforts redoubled following 
the 2003 severe crackdown by the Castro government on Cuban 
dissidents that resulted in the imprisonment of many freedom 
advocates. The GOCR condemned the crackdown, issuing an 
official statement calling on the Government of Cuba to honor 
its international human rights commitments and obligations. 
FM Svoboda instituted a policy requesting all diplomats to 
raise the issue of Cuba at any international meetings. This 
policy, together with Czech protests, was delivered to the 
Cuban Government via official protest notes. In addition, 
Czech President Vaclav Klaus and the Czech Parliament issued 
statements in support of Cuban dissidents and condemning the 
situation in Cuba. 
 
3. (C) In July 2003, then Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla 
traveled to Florida to meet with representatives of Cuban 
dissidents, all of whom were political prisoners. This visit 
was returned in May 2004, when eight Cuban dissidents 
traveled to Prague to meet with Senate Chairman Petr Pithart, 
Civic Democratic Party leader Miroslav Topolanek, and Havel. 
 
4. (C) Currently, the Czechs are advocating for a common 
EU-Cuba policy that recognizes political dissidents and 
provides sanctions for senior officials of the Castro regime. 
Among EU countries, the Czech Republic is one of the 
strongest supporters of the policy of inviting Cuban 
dissidents to National Day festivities. The Czechs also 
provide training and support to Cuban civil society through 
the efforts of People in Need (PIN), the MFA,s NGO partner. 
These activities highlight the committed engagement of the 
Czechs on the issue of Cuban human rights. In recognition of 
this commitment, Caleb McCarry, the new Cuba Transition 
Coordinator, traveled to Prague in Oct 2005 to meet with 
Czechs actively working to promote democracy in Cuba, 
including GOCR officials, former dissidents, and PIN. 
 
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IMPORTANCE OF TITLE III WAIVER 
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5. (C) A waiver of the right to bring an action against 
entities and nationals of the Czech Republic is necessary to 
U.S. national interests. Loss of this waiver would jeopardize 
our partnership with a country that has been willing to be at 
the forefront of efforts to force the Castro regime to adhere 
to international standards of human rights and fundamental 
freedoms. From  Sponsoring and supporting the annual Cuban 
resolution to engaging in high-level diplomatic efforts with 
Cuban dissidents, the Czech Republic's profile on this issue 
is one of the strongest in Europe. This cooperation would 
definitely be impacted negatively if the GOCR were to lose 
the Title III waiver and feel that it is being unjustly 
"punished" when in fact it has been one of our best advocates 
on behalf of the Cuban cause. 
CABANISS