Cuba looking for a Kiwi relationship

WELLINGTON - New Zealand is moving towards formal diplomatic relations with Cuba, signalling a warming in our once-cool relationship with the communist state.

The Cuban Communist Party daily Granma has reported that Cuba and New Zealand have decided to establish formal diplomatic relations at ambassador level after discussions between the countries at the United Nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday that Cuba had sought cross-accreditation by New Zealand of its ambassador in Asia.

But the ministry said the Government had not yet made a decision.
A spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Don McKinnon said speculation on the Cuba-New Zealand move was premature.

But it seems unlikely New Zealand will refuse the request, as it has a strong trade relationship with Cuba, which took $31.5 million worth of our exports last year.

Cuba is New Zealand's most important Caribbean trading partner.

If New Zealand agrees to the Cuban request, it is probable this country will seek to reciprocate the arrangement later.

The move follows a slight thaw in the United States' attitude to Cuba.
The US broke off relations in 1961 after Cuban President Fidel Castro aligned himself with Moscow, and slapped a comprehensive embargo on the island the following year.

Last month, President Bill Clinton announced a slight easing in restrictions, although contact at government-to-government level remains frozen.

New Zealand has never supported a trade embargo against Cuba and bought about $600,000 worth of Cuban exports last year.

Its move towards formalising relations with Cuba is not expected to please the US, although the United States Embassy in Wellington said yesterday it did not consider the latest move constituted a significant change in the New Zealand-Cuban relationship.

The US cites human rights abuses in Cuba as its reason for the continuing embargo.

Cuba's ambassador to Asia is already cross-accredited to Australia. - NZPA