Cuba agrees to begin talks with EU on ties

HAVANA - Cuba has agreed to begin talks with the European Union (EU) for the normalization of relations, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Thursday.

Cuba has informed the EU ambassador in Havana of its decision and has asked to establish contact via diplomatic channels and to determine the terms and dates of the talks, Rodriguez told a press conference.

"Cuba is ready to discuss any issue on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect, including human rights, because Havana is concerned about what is happening in that area in various countries of the bloc," said Rodriguez.

Cuba's top diplomat described the EU decision to hold talks with Cuba as "correct" and indicated that unilateral policies do not work and have no place in the modern world.

On Feb 10, EU foreign ministers decided to begin negotiations with Havana toward a new expanded bilateral relationship, which will replace the EU's "common position" on Cuba.