The 'European Platform for Human Rights and Democracy in Cuba' had its second meeting in Rome. The main points that were discussed were the following:
1. The Platform welcomes very much the forthcoming visit of Pope John Paul II in January 1998. All the present European NGOs on human rights present at the meeting, were unanimous in expressing their expectations that the visit of the Holy Father will generate hope in a society that is desperate and where human rights are systematically violated. The Platform hopes that John Paul II will ask for the liberation of the hundreds of the so-called 'prisoners of conscience' and the respect for a free press.
Referring to the many Cubans in exile: the Platform hopes they will be part of the concern of the Pope and will be included in His pastoral message.
2. The Platform considers of utmost importance that European investors in Cuba will voluntarily subscribe and comply with the so-called 'Arcos Principles' that include guarantees for Cuban workers rights.
3. The Platform reafirms its adherence to the Common Position of the EU (December 1996) which conditions economic and developmental cooperation with Cuba upon improvement of human rights and democracy.
4. The Platform rejects the European tourism to Cuba of the kind that implies sexual abuse of youngsters. Initiatives to fight these practices were discussed.
5. The Platform will continue to make heard internationally the voice of the internal non-violent opposition in Cuba and will seek support for them and their initiatives as far as possible.
6. The Platform rejects the US Helms/Burton act as illegal and counterproductive, although it considers that the 'auto-embargo' the Cuban government imposes on the people, of Cuba is far more destructive. The Platform asks the US administration to lift immediately the 'de facto' embargo on food and medicins and to consider constructive confidence building measures towards Cuba.
7. The Platform appeals to the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva to declare Carlos Amat, actually Cuban ambassador to that Commission, 'persona non grata' since he was responsible for many human rights violations, including more than 150 executions in Cuba, during the period of the so-called 'Tribunales Revolucionarios'.
Rome, November, 29 1997