I have to say, what disturbs me about this debate, as it's unrolled here today and as it is frequently, is this typical Canadian proclivity to frame everything with respect to our neighbours to the south rather than thinking independently. We always seem to be reacting to American policy.
I would like you to comment on this. The European Union has been moving towards a thoughtful independent policy approach on Cuban human rights led by the Czech Republic, whereby they are clearly favouring dissidents. The European Union embassy, as you know, invites prominent dissidents to attend receptions at the EU mission in Havana. The Czech Republic invites dissidents to attend conferences and provides intellectual and practical support in a way that cannot be characterized by the Castro regime as threatening their security. Why couldn't Canada pursue the Czech approach of an independent vigorous advocacy of human rights, standing on the side of the political prisoners and the dissidents? That's one question.
My second question is this. I don't know if you are familiar with Christine Chenet. Madam Cruz-Herrera has made several references to the report of Christine Chenet to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights regarding Cuba, in which she makes recommendations, and I'll just summarize some of them.
She recommends that the government of Cuba take the following measures: halt the prosecution of citizens who are exercising their guaranteed rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; release detained prisoners who have not committed acts of violence; review laws that lead to criminal prosecution of persons exercising their freedom of expression, demonstration, assembly, etc.; uphold, without exception, the moratorium in the application of the death penalty; reform the rules of criminal procedure to bring them into line with the requirements of the Universal Declaration; establish a standing independent body with the function of receiving complaints from persons complaining that their fundamental rights have been abridged; review the regulations relating to travel into and out of Cuba in order to guarantee freedom of movement as defined in the Universal Declaration; authorize non-governmental organizations to enter Cuba; foster pluralism with respect to associations, trade unions, organs of the press, and political parties; and finally, accede to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its optional protocols.
First, do you think the Czech model vis-à-vis Cuba can be a useful reference point? And secondly, do either of you disagree with any of the recommendations of Madam Chenet that I've just referenced?