EU offers Cuba aid in first formal talks since 2003

The European Union has offered hurricane aid and other help to Cuba at the first talks between officials since the bloc imposed diplomatic sanctions against the Caribbean island in 2003.

The establishment of formal dialogue, along with the elimination of the sanctions in June, is seen as the first step towards normalisation of what have been strained relations between the 27-nation EU and communist Cuba.

"The European Union confirms its availability to bring post-disaster aid to Cuba, and more generally to restart a co-operation with the country," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the meeting.

Cuba and Europe broke off dialogue when the EU imposed diplomatic sanctions in 2003 after the Cuban government arrested 75 dissidents. The sanctions were suspended in 2005 but not formally lifted until June 19.

Their abolition is an attempt to encourage more reforms by President Raul Castro, who took over after the Feb. 24 retirement of his brother Fidel.

Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque led the Cuban delegation in the talks with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.

France holds the rotating presidency of the EU until the end of the year. Michel is due to visit Havana from Oct. 22 to 25.

"It's my wish that my visit to Havana next week can mark the formal take-up of co-operation between the European Commission and Cuba," he said in a separate statement.

The co-operation could focus on sectors such as the environment, trade, science and technology, cultural exchanges and natural disaster prevention, he said.

That would include rapid assistance in the reconstruction process following hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Cuba accepted renewed after the island was slammed by Hurricane Gustav and just before Hurricane Ike, both of which caused an estimated $5 billion in damages.

Local economists say the damage may lead to pressure for speedier reforms under the new president.

The lifting of the sanctions would be reviewed annually with an eye on the human rights situation in Cuba, the EU said.

Cuba is holding about 230 political prisoners, according to the illegal but tolerated Cuban Commission for Human Rights.

The French statement said the participants had a deep discussion about civil and political rights and the Europeans stressed that it expected improvements.

Reuters kc \NZP