The United Antitotalitarian Forum (FANTU), led by Cuban opponent Guillermo “Coco” Fariñas, winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, has announced a hunger and thirst strike. Fariñas holds the Communist Party of Cuba and its illegitimate representative, ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, as well as all the active repressive organs on the Island, responsible for his life.
Fariñas is calling for the immediate suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Cuban regime. He highlights the systematic violation of human rights on the Island and the situation of more than 1,000 political prisoners held by the regime.
In a subsequent statement, FANTU added that Fariñas also demands the unconditional, immediate release and without banishment of all Cuban political prisoners, as well as the implementation of a naval and air blockade of Cuba until all military personnel and their espionage teams currently based in Cuba, belonging to the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation, are removed.
“I am requesting the support of the civilized and democratic world, as well as men and women of good will,” added FANTU.
The statement explains that Fariñas, upon returning from a trip abroad, was called from the Abel Santamaría International Airport of Villa Clara to pick up his supposedly lost suitcases. However, Fariñas refuses to go, suspecting a repressive ambush by the G-2, based on information from sources within the Counterintelligence Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior.
The Fariñas protest will begin at 8:00 AM on Monday, July 26, at the FANTU National Headquarters located in the La Chirusa neighborhood of Villa Clara.
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In this content, it is reported that Guillermo Fariñas, a Cuban opponent, has called for the immediate suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Cuban regime. Fariñas is shown in a photo expressing his stance on the matter. No further details or reasons for Fariñas’ call for suspension are provided.
What impact could the suspension of the PAA between the EU and the Cuban regime, as called for by Cuban opponent Guillermo Fariñas, have on relations between the two parties
The suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PAA) between the European Union (EU) and the Cuban regime, as proposed by Cuban opponent Guillermo Fariñas, could have several impacts on relations between the EU and Cuba.
1. Strained Diplomatic Relations: Suspending the PAA would undoubtedly strain diplomatic relations between the EU and Cuba. The PAA was seen as a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral ties, fostering dialogue, and cooperation on various political, economic, and social issues. Its suspension would signify a breakdown in these efforts and create a more hostile environment for future negotiations.
2. Human Rights Concerns: Fariñas, a prominent human rights activist in Cuba, believes that by suspending the PAA, the EU can exert more pressure on the Cuban regime to improve its human rights record. This move would shine a spotlight on the human rights abuses happening in Cuba and draw international attention to the issue. However, the Cuban regime would likely view this as interference in their internal affairs, creating a potential flashpoint in relations.
3. Economic Impact: The suspension of the PAA could have economic implications for both the EU and Cuba. The PAA aimed to increase trade and investment between the two parties, with the EU being Cuba’s largest trading partner. The suspension would disrupt the flow of goods, services, and investments, potentially impacting the economies of both sides. This could lead to economic hardships for businesses and individuals reliant on these trade relations.
4. Political Isolation: If the EU were to suspend the PAA, it may encourage other international actors to take a similar stance towards Cuba. This could lead to increased political isolation for the Cuban regime, as it would face scrutiny and potential actions from other countries as well. However, this could also increase Cuba’s reliance on countries that do not prioritize human rights concerns, potentially exacerbating the situation.
5. Limited Dialogue Channels: Suspending the PAA would effectively reduce the formal channels of dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Cuba. This could make it more challenging to address and resolve future issues, as there would be fewer established mechanisms for communication. Informal dialogue, if any, may become more challenging, hindering progress on various fronts, including human rights, trade, and political matters.
It is important to note that these potential impacts are subject to various factors, such as the response of the Cuban regime, the stance of other EU member states, and the broader international context.
“Guillermo Fariñas’ hunger and thirst strike highlights the dire situation in Cuba. His demand for the suspension of the EU-Cuba Agreement shows the seriousness of the human rights violations occurring under the current regime.”
“The determination of Guillermo Fariñas to go on a hunger and thirst strike highlights his deep concerns about the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. His unwavering commitment to advocate for human rights and democracy in Cuba should not be ignored by the international community. It is crucial that his demands are thoroughly addressed and considered in order to safeguard the principles of justice and freedom.”
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“Guillermo Fariñas’ hunger and thirst strike highlights the dire situation in Cuba. His demand for the suspension of the EU-Cuba Agreement shows the seriousness of the human rights violations occurring under the current regime.”
“The determination of Guillermo Fariñas to go on a hunger and thirst strike highlights his deep concerns about the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. His unwavering commitment to advocate for human rights and democracy in Cuba should not be ignored by the international community. It is crucial that his demands are thoroughly addressed and considered in order to safeguard the principles of justice and freedom.”