Martin going to Cuba with ‘an open mind’

MINISTER for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he is going to Cuba with “an open mind” and insists he will raise issues of human rights when he meets senior ministers of Raul Castro’s administration in Havana today.

During the historic visit — the first by an Irish minister — Mr Martin will also explore economic co-operation and how Irish businesses might benefit from a loosening of private enterprise restrictions in the communist country.

The European Union lifted its trade sanctions against Cuba last June and many EU countries, including Ireland, are keen to help Cuba reintegrate into the world economy.

The island is celebrating its 50th year of the “revolution” and this week marks the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro being sworn in as leader.

Speaking in Mexico City before departing for Cuba, Mr Martin said he was reassured by his Mexican counterpart, Patricia Espinosa that “change is afoot” in Cuba. “The best policy is not isolation but contact and dialogue,” he said.

Mr Martin will not meet any opposition parties or dissident groups in Cuba, but said human rights issues, which include freedom of speech, will be raised.

“We are going there with an open mind to hear and to listen to the perspective that the Cuban government have on issues,” he said.

Mr Martin also signalled that a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty would not be as early as June as some had suggested.

He said the Government wanted to take its time to explain all the issues to the Irish people: “I’m conscious that according to our research, one of the key reasons for no votes or abstention was a lack of knowledge about the treaty.

“One needed time to press home the issues and explain the issues to the people in relation to any referendum. Our EU colleagues have given us legal undertakings in relation to the neutrality issues and the taxation issue, providing reassurances to the Irish people,” he said.