US embassy cable - 05DAMASCUS6328

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAMASCUS 006328 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR WHA/CCA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2015 
TAGS: ETRD, ETTC, PREL, SY 
SUBJECT: SARG POLICIES AND ACTIONS IN CUBA: TITLE III OF 
THE LIBERTAD ACT 
 
REF: SECSTATE 207359 
 
Classified By: CDA: Stephen Seche for Reasons 1.5 b/d 
 
1.  (U)  Reftel requested information regarding the SARG's 
trading relationship with and investments in Cuba.  The SARG 
signed a commercial agreement in October 1998 with the 
Government of Cuba that calls for increased bilateral 
economic cooperation.  The agreement, which was ratified and 
implemented in 2001, does not include details on preferential 
trade measures or tariff reductions.  Despite the countries' 
bilateral economic ties, little commerce or investment takes 
place between the two countries as a result of geographic 
distance and substantial transport costs. 
 
2.  (C)  In November 2005, a delegation headed by Economy and 
Trade Minister Amer Lutfi traveled to Cuba as part of a trip 
to Central and South America.  According to the Syrian press, 
during his meeting with Cuban Minister for Foreign Investment 
and Economic Collaboration Marta Lomas, the parties discussed 
revitalizing bilateral exchanges, as well as increasing their 
commercial and political links.  A post contact at the Syrian 
Ministry of Economy and Trade also indicated that the 
ministers explored the possibility of creating a Cuban-Syrian 
Business Council to futher the countries' trade relationship, 
and signed a protocol agreement confirming the need for such 
a council. 
 
3.  (U)  Post is unaware of any policies and actions taken by 
the SARG to advance democracy, human rights, and fundamental 
freedoms in Cuba. 
SECHE