Cuba and US prepare ground for discussions over human rights

Cuba and the United States took the first step on Tuesday to begin formal talks on human rights, an issue that will prove to be one of the thorniest points in the two countries’ ongoing discussions aimed at restoring full diplomatic relations.

This “preparation” exercise held in Washington comes ahead of a much-awaited meeting between US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro, who are expected to sit down for talks at the Summit of the Americas in Panama later this month.

Cuba will show how it cooperates with other nations in helping them provide health services and education

According to both sides, Tuesday’s discussions centered on “the methodology, topics, and structure of a future human rights dialogue.”

“The atmosphere of the meeting was professional, and there was broad agreement on the way forward for a future substantive dialogue, the timing and location of which will be determined through diplomatic channels,” read a brief statement issued by the US State Department. “Each side raised concerns about human rights issues, and both sides expressed willingness to discuss a wide range of topics in future substantive talks.”

The Cuban delegation was headed by Pedro Luis Pedroso, assistant director general for multilateral affairs and international law at the Foreign Ministry. Tom Malinowski, assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, led the US team in Washington.

Last week, Cuba announced its intention to embark on a different approach over the issue in which it will “demonstrate its achievements in the promotion and protection of all human rights” and how it has cooperated with other nations in helping them provide health services and education.

But Cuba would also “raise concerns about the human rights situation in the United States,” which also concern US society and the international community, said Anayansi Rodríguez, Cuba’s permanent representative in Geneva, who also traveled to Washington for the talks.

Among Havana’s points are the “recent rash of police brutality and violence that demonstrate a discriminatory pattern,” and “human rights violations in the so-called fight against terrorism, which include torture, extrajudicial killings by the use of drones and espionage, and overseas monitoring,” said the Cuban Foreign Ministry in a statement released after the meeting.

For its part, the United States will focus primarily on limits of freedom of expression in Cuba and the citizens’ rights to assembly.

The Cuban delegation chief praised both countries for willing to discuss the issues “in a professional manner”

The State Department has said that Tuesday’s meeting was designed for “preliminary” talks and “preparation” for a deeper dialogue.

“As expected, it was accepted that differences exist between the countries when it comes to tackling human rights issues,” said Rodríguez after the meeting. Nevertheless, the Cuban diplomat recognized that both countries were able to sit down and discuss the matter “with respect for one another and in a professional, civilized manner.”

Both countries are continuing their talks with the hopes of opening embassies in Havana and Washington, an announcement many observers believe will be made after Obama meets with Castro in Panama.

Separated by their politics, trade and economic policies for more than half a century, the two nations have been intensifying their talks over the last three months. A US delegation met last week with its Cuban counterparts in Havana to discuss possible modifications to the telecommunications embargo.

Cuba expressed interest in expanding its internet connectivity, but still wants to control access to the web.