Athens, 5 June 2008

Foreign Ministry spokesman Mr. George Koumoutsakos made the following statement in reply to a journalist’s request for a comment on a news article on Greece’s policy concerning the issue of respect for human rights in Cuba:

“Greece’s sensitivity to issues of human rights and democratic freedoms is well known. Our sensitivity concerning freedom of expression is equally well known.

You are aware that Greece is participating constructively in shaping the common European policy on Cuba. Among other things, the June 2007 European Council expressed its dismay that the human rights situation has not changed substantially and that the Cuban government continues to deny citizens internationally recognised civil, political and economic rights and freedoms.

Furthermore, the Council called anew for the Cuban government to unconditionally release all political detainees, confirming that this issue is a basic priority of EU policy on Cuba. The Council also reiterated its appeal to the Cuban government to grant freedom of the press and expression, calling on the Cuban government to cooperate on this issue.

Greece helped to formulate this European Council decision, and the European Union’s position is without a doubt Greece’s position as well.”