Brussels - Representatives from Cuba and the European Union (EU) met on Monday to discuss the unilateral coercive measures, at the first round of talks on this issue in this capital.

According to a diplomatic press release, opinions were exchanged in a respectful and constructive atmosphere between the two delegations, chaired by the deputy general director for the Americas Department at the European External Action Service of the EU, Hugo Sobral; and the general director of Multilateral Affairs and International Law at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rodolfo Reyes.

The meeting was the first round of talks on the issue after the provisional entry into force, on November 1, 2017, of the Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation between Cuba and the European Union and its member States.

Acording to the press release, 'issues related to the use of unilateral coercive measures, which are contrary to international law and international trade rules were addressed.

The dialogue was guided by the common interest of exchanging views on how the blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba affects the Cuban people and harms the economic and commercial interests of the European Union'

Cuba expressed gratitude for the unanimous position by the EU in the United Nations, in support of Cuba's draft resolution that demands the lifting of the blockade.

In addition, the statement noted, an essential element of dialogue was the explanation by the EU bloc of its regulatory provisions to counteract the extraterritorial dimension of laws or regulations applied by a third state.

Regarding this issue, the Cuban delegation reiterated the importance of the implementing Regulation 2271/96 of the EU Council, which limits the extraterritorial effects of the Helms-Burton law for its member States.

On the other hand, the cuban representation referred to the multiple cases of extraterritorial application of the blockade policy that have taken place in the territory of the Union, in light of which the effective application of that regulation would be an adequate solution.

Although it was evident that different positions and approaches persist in several of the issues discussed, the will to address those issue was ratified, based on full respect for sovereign equality, independence, legality and non-interference in matters of the parties,' the press release said.

Previously, there was a meeting by representatives of Cuban and European civil society, at which views were exchanged on the damage caused by the implementation of unilateral coercive measures to civil society.

In particular, the Cuban delegation referred to the effects of the US blockade in several spheres, especially in the field of public health.