Cuban Minister Describes as Excellent Meeting with Lula

Brasilia, Aug 6. – Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla described as excellent his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In statements to the press at the end of the meeting, held in the cultural center "Banco do Brasil", temporary headquarter of Brazilian presidency, Cuban foreign minister said they have held talks on all issues of common interest.

He recalled that President Lula has visited Cuba four times, most recently in late February this year and said they have tackled all political and bilateral issues of common interest, associated with the international agenda and the economic ties between Brazil and Cuba.

Parilla said that the meeting was fruitful and at the level of the excellent relations between their countries.

He also mentioned that he was the bearer of a greeting from Cuban President Raul Castro to President Lula.

Asked about Cuba-US relations, the foreign minister said that there have been some official meetings on issues that are not essential for the bilateral relationship.

He noted that in June, Cuba presented to the U.S. government a draft agenda for a bilateral dialogue, which has not been answered yet.

Rodríguez Parrilla reiterated Cuban government disposition to dialogue with USA on any issue, on a reciprocal way and on the basis of full respect for Cuban sovereignty and independence, "as well as we have expressed the disposition to negotiate the unsolved bilateral issues", he said.

Regarding to the dispute between Colombia and Venezuela, Cuban Foreign Minister mentioned various activities that threaten the stability and peace in the region, such as the presence of US military bases in Colombia and the growth of US military budget for operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

All this represent a threat to the stability and peace in the region, while hurting the sovereignty of our countries. Venezuela has every right to defend itself from threats and provocations, said the minister.

However, Cuba has always promoted dialogue, cooperation and peace processes in the region.

He pointed out the close relation between Cuba and Venezuela is widely known, and in the case Venezuela is attacked, as has been said publicly, it is obvious what Cuba's position will be.

To a question on the release of several people in Cuba, Rodriguez Parrilla said this action corresponds to "a sovereign decision of the Cuban government, a generous decision, because the revolution is solid and strong."

In Cuba, there has been a constructive and useful process of reconciliation with the Catholic Church. We had an exchange of information and views in this area with friendly countries, including the government of Brazil, said the minister.(Prensa Latina)