France supports Cuba trade

Taking an opposite approach from the United States, which has tried to isolate Cuba through an economic embargo, France believes more ties will encourage economic and political reform on the communist island, said French Minister Charles Josselin, in Barbados for a meeting of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states next week.

``The European Union cannot remain deaf to the requests of Cuba to reinforce its relationships with the EU,'' said Josselin. ``It is through reinforced relationships with the countries in the area and the region and also with Europe that the Cubans would most certainly steer the evolutions which are necessary.''

Most ACP countries favor the admission of Cuba and many have already increased trade with the island, despite U.S. pressure.