European Union and Cuba sign deal to normalise relations Friday March 11,2016

 

The European Union and Cuba signed a deal on Friday to normalise relations, including an agreement on the delicate issue of human rights -- a breakthrough just ahead of US President Barack Obama's historic visit to the island.

 

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini addresses the audience, while Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla listens at the foreign ministry in Havana March 11, 2016

The agreement, the culmination of nearly two years of negotiations, is a further step toward ending the communist country's status as a pariah in the West.

It comes just as Obama prepares to put a capstone on the rapprochement he and Cuban President Raul Castro announced in December 2014, setting aside more than half a century of animosity rooted in the Cold War.

"This is a historic step in our relationship," said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini at a signing ceremony in Havana.

"The agreement marks the beginning of a new era in our bilateral relations," she added, before heading to a meeting with Castro.

Cuba was previously the only country in Latin America without an international cooperation deal with the European Union,the 28-member bloc.

The EU slapped sanctions on Cuba and suspended cooperation in 2003 over a crackdown on journalists and activists, and had since 1996 officially used its foreign policy to encourage human rights advances in the country.

That so-called "common position" was vehemently rejected by Cuba as interference in its domestic affairs.

"This accord marks the end of the common position," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said.

The European Parliament must still ratify the deal for it to take effect.