Spain chides Cuba over MEP's trip

[demoleft]

Source: bbc

Spain has complained to Cuba about its refusal to let a Spanish Euro MP visit the island - but Madrid says this will not obstruct efforts to improve ties.

Socialist MEP Luis Yanez was denied entry at the weekend. He said it was a private trip, but admitted he had plans to meet pro-democracy activists.
...
Cuba's ambassador, Alejandro Gonzalez Galiano, was quoted as saying Mr Yanez was denied entry "due to the application of Cuban domestic laws".

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said: "This is not good news - I think the Cubans made a mistake."


Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8441988.stm

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ooooops...

[Mika]

1. He had applied for, and got, a tourist visa. But was going on official visit to political parties.

He was on a trip as an unregistered agent of a foreign government - something that is worthy of immediate arrest or deportation from the USA also.

Nonetheless, Cuba = bad.

[demoleft]

2. no, not "bad". just ackward "wall to wall" with spain. useless, in my opinion.

something that could have been fixed discreetly.
just that.

[Mika]

3. Well, he could have registered for a legal visa.

Unless, of course, he was on some sort of illegal covert activity like personnel from the US Interest Section were, a few years ago.

Why would a RW politician from Spain try to enter another country (socialist Cuba) under false/illegal pretenses? And then call a press conference to smear and slam the Cuban government for doing what most of the governments from the civilized world would do?

:think:

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[demoleft]

4. a socialist, member of european parliament.

no conspiracy, no secret missions. a socialist in socialist cuba. imagine the odds!
right about "paranoia" - which was the theme of the day.

[bemildred]

5. Yawn. nt

[demoleft]

6. haha :) indeed not great news. n/t

[David__77]

7. This was not a normal tourism trip.

Countries throughout Latin America have done this. Peru denied entry to people who sought to defend political prisoners in the past. Colombia does not allow free access without restriction either. This is nothing unique especially. I'm sure the MEP would be welcome to visit and enjoy a resort and some night life, however.