EU Presidency Declaration on Damas de Blanco

The Presidency of the European Union warmly congratulates the Damas de Blanco, a group of wives of political prisoners in Cuba, on their 2005 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded to them by the European Parliament.

The Presidency of the European Union regrets the fact that the Cuban authorities have prevented the Damas de Blanco from travelling to Strasbourg to collect their prize. Such cases, including the Government's refusal to allow Oswaldo Payá to travel to the EU/NGO.

Forum on Freedom of Expression in December, demonstrate the Cuban authorities' disregard of the right to freedom of movement for its own citizens, as enshrined in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The EU remains committed to intensifying its dialogue with members of the peaceful opposition and civil society in Cuba, as set out by EU Foreign Ministers in successive Council conclusions, most recently on 13 June.

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• EU Council Conclusions on Cuba - 2737 External Relations Council Meeting  (12/6/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - Explanation of Vote: Embargo against Cuba (8/11/2005)
• EU Parliament - 2005 Sakharov prize winners (26/10/2005)
• EU Presidency Declaration - Political Prisoners in Cuba (29/9/2005)
• Commissioner Michel sees clear opportunity to enhance political dialogue with Cuba (26/3/2005)