MINREX on Treatment of Czechs Arrested in Cuba

Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit

Jan 29, 2001 (rec'd Feb 5, 2001)

FROM CUBA'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 

ON THE TREATMENT OF THE CZECH CITIZENS ARRESTED IN CUBA

Ever since the detention in Cuba of Czech citizens Ivan Pilip and Jan
Bubenik, speculations, confusing information and even ill-intentioned
distortions have been promulgated regarding the treatment that they have
received. Therefore the Ministry of External Relations has considered it
necessary to clarify the following:

On January 12, the division of Special Diplomatic Affairs of the Department
of Protocol in the Ministry of External Relations communicated to the Chargé
d´Affairs of the Cezch Republic, Mr. Josef Marsiceck, about the dentention
of these citizens.

On January 13 and 14, the Chief of the Czech Mission in Havana held meetings
with the two detainees at the detention centre of the Department of
Immigration, a fact that was recognized by the Vice Minister of External
Relations of the Czech Republic, Hynek Kmonicek, and in Diplomatic Note No.
101751/2001 of the Czech Ministry of External Relations presented to the
Cuban Chargé d´Affairs in Prague, dated January 16, 2001.

Between then and January 28, the Diplomatic Representation in Havana has
carried out 5 consular visits to the detainees.

In addition, the wife of Ivan Pilip and the brother of Jan Bubenik arrived
in Cuba on the evening of Saturday, January 20, after receiving their
respective visas in an expeditious manner. They carried out their first
family visit the day following their arrival, on Sunday January 21, for a
duration of more than 3 hours.

Further, the relatives of the detainees have been able to visit them on a
daily basis, for one hour daily from January 22 to January 26, and for two
hours on January 27 and again on January 28.

Furthermore, upon the interest indicated by the wife of Ivan Pilip regarding
a possible trip to her country and later returning to Cuba, the Cuban
authorities have assured that the entry visa will be granted again.

On January 17th the Czech Red Cross requested from its Cuban counterpart
information on the health conditions of the two detainees and received a
rapid and positive reponse from the Cuban Red Cross.

Upon a request by Cardinal Jaime Ortega, Archbishop of Havana, a visit by a
priest was also authorized, which took place on Wednesday, January 24.

In addition, the Cuban Government has given its agreement to a visit by a
delegation of the Czech Parliament. This visit was authorized immediately,
granting courtesy visas to the six members of the delegation and those that
will accompany them. They have not yet travelled, as they are waiting for a
visit by the Interparliamentary Union.

The Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Union, expressing an
interest in the case, requested to travel to Cuba, and the National Assembly
of Popular Powers of Cuba replied that he could travel whenever he wished.
This visit will take place soon.

Finally, the President of the Council of State of Cuba invited the President
of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Pihtar, to visit our country
following receipt of a letter from him. The visit by Mr. Pihtar and the
delegation that will accompany him will take place next week.

Ministry of External Relations (MINREX)
Havana, January 29, 2001

[NOTE: The President of the Czech Senate visited Cuba during the first days
of February and included meetings with Cuba's Foreign Ministry staff, the
Cuban National Assembly, and President Fidel Castro. See related items in this
newsfeed for reports on the visit. -- NY Transfer]
 
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