Cuba proposes quick start to human rights dialogue with U.S.

Cuba proposes quick start to human rights dialogue with U.S.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba on Thursday proposed that a pending human rights
dialogue with the United States begin on Tuesday in Washington in
parallel to ongoing negotiations about restoring diplomatic relations.

"These conversations about human rights constitute an example of Cuba's
disposition to approach any topic with the United States, despite our
differences," Pedro Luis Pedroso, a foreign ministry official
specializing in international law, told reporters in Havana.

U.S. officials in Havana had no immediate comment.

Cuba first proposed the talks last year and reiterated its idea after
the two longtime adversaries agreed in December to re-establish
diplomatic ties and seek to normalize trade and travel.

Representatives from each side met in Havana in January, in Washington
in February, and again in Havana this month. They have yet to finalize
an agreement on opening embassies in each other's capitals and have not
announced when they might renew talks.

Cuban President Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama are both due
to attend the Summit of the Americas in Panama on April 10-11, which
could mark their first face-to-face meeting since the two leaders
simultaneously announced the new direction for U.S.-Cuban relations on
Dec. 17.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by David Gregorio)

Source: Cuba proposes quick start to human rights dialogue with U.S. -
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