Spain’s two top parties remove Cuba issue from nation’s agenda for its EU presidency

Spain's ruling Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and the leading opposition group, the Popular Party (PP), on Friday signed a pact defining Spain's official stance as it assumes the presidency of the European Union in January.
The topics agreed upon include the economy, jobs, illegal immigration and protection from pirates at sea.
The topic left out: Cuba.
The PP opposes the PSOE's proposal to revise the EU's "common position," which conditions the Union's trade with Cuba to a relaxation of Havana's grip on the nation's social fabric. Briefly put, the "common position" wants to see a move toward democracy and respect for human rights in exchange for expanded trade. The PP likes that tit-for-tat position; the PSOE dislikes conditions.
In less-specific language, the news agency EFE says, the two parties compromise and agree that the EU, under Spain's leadership, must contribute to "the full consolidation in Latin America of democracy, the rule of law and full respect for human rights."
The pact will be debated in Congress next month.
–Renato Pérez Pizarro.

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