20/02/2009

Martin Calls On Obama To Ease Cuba Embargo

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has asked the US President to consider easing some of the US restrictions on Cuba.

The trade embargo was imposed on Cuba 47 years ago amid US efforts to isolate the Cuban government and its leaders due to its imposition of communism.

Mr Martin made his remarks during the first ever official visit by an Irish Government Minister to Havana, and only the second European Union official visit to the country since for five years.

The EU and Cuba only restored ties in October after a five-year freeze was imposed over jailed Cuban dissidents.

Speaking in Havana today, Mr Martin said his meetings so far were "fruitful" and touched upon human rights issues.

Ahead of the visit, the minister said he would avail of the opportunity to discuss a whole range of issues with his Cuban counterpart, including political, economic and social issues.

Cuba and the EU formally restored ties October 23, by signing a cooperation agreement that released 2.5 million dollars in EU aid for rebuilding efforts after two hurricanes devastated the island in September.

(DW/BMcC)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 February 2009
First Irish Minister Visits Cuba
Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin has journeyed to Cuba today on the first official visit to the country by an Irish Government minister. Mr Martin said the trip is an effort to bolster relations between Ireland and Cuba and a chance to discuss possible areas of economic co-operation.
11 March 2015
Sinn Féin Calls For All-Ireland Support System For Abuse Victims
Sinn Féin has called for all-Ireland support mechanisms for the victims of sexual abuse "during the conflict". Party leader Gerry Adams criticised the Taoiseach Enda Kenny for his "failure to respond" to letters sent by Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, urging the establishment of an all-island support system.
14 October 2010
SF Economic Plan Seeks NI Political Pay Cut
A series of proposals from Sinn Fein to deal with the current economic difficulties in Northern Ireland was launched today in Belfast.
08 July 2015
Call For Adams To Respond To Revelations Surrounding NAMA Deal
Fianna Fáil is calling on Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams to respond to the revelation that his colleague Martin McGuinness MLA attended a secret meeting with the Chairman of the investment company at the centre of the emerging controversy in Northern Ireland, less than six months after the £1.5bn sale.
08 January 2013
Minister Denies Garda Cuts
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has said there was "no reality or possibility" that An Garda Síochána would be forced to cut staff numbers by 1,00 to 1,500 due to reduced budgets in 2013. He also said that the reduced cuts would mean officers will not be paid this year were "simply wrong".