EU to respond to US Helms-Burton law enforcement in Cuba

The European Union will react to the full implementation Thursday of the US Helms-Burton Law that opens the door to the demands for compensation of Cubans exiled in the United States After the 1959 revolution, the head of European diplomacy said in a statement.

"EU considers extraterritorial application of unilateral restrictive measures contrary to international law and resort to all appropriate measures to deal with the consequences of Helms-Burton law enforcement, including its rights in the WTO and the use of the European blockade status ", a- he declared. Federica Mogherini.

"The decision to apply Title III, which opens the way for action under Title IV, is in breach of the commitments made in the 1997 and 1998 EU-US agreements, which both parties have respected. without interruption since then. "he adds.

The decision of the United States "create unnecessary friction and weaken the confidence and predictability of the transatlantic partnership", adds the statement.

"The European Union deeply regrets the full implementation of the Helms-Burton Law (Freedom Act) 1996 by the United States ", says the statement of the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

"The EU will continue to work with its international partners, who have also expressed their concerns in this regard", adds the statement.

Title III of the Helms-Burton Act voted in 1996 authorizes Cuban exiles to pursue companies in the United States that obtained profits from nationalized companies after 1959.

This provision had been systematically suspended since its adoption by all US presidents so as not to cause friction with its allies.

(With information from AFP)