Spain discusses human rights with Cuba

(MADRID) - Spanish and Cuban officials discussed the human rights situation in the communist island at a meeting in Madrid on Thursday, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said.

"All subjects, including those related to human rights were addressed," he told reporters, adding that dialogue with Havana was the best way to improve its human rights record.

The existence of some 200 political prisoners in Cuba, the state of prisons, and plans for Havana to ratify two international human rights agreements were among the topics on the agenda.

This is the fourth meeting its kind between Spain and Cuba, a former Spanish colony. The first was held in May 2007.

"Having a fixed agenda (for talks) will help us advance on this issue, build trust and promote respect for human rights and a greater degree of understanding and cooperation in this area," said Moratinos.

Spain, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, wants the bloc to modify its 1996 common position on Cuba which links dialogue to freedoms and human rights on the island, arguing it has yielded few results.