THE Association of Spanish Entrepreneurs in Cuba has asked its country’s government to do as much it can to normalize both economic and political relations with Cuba.

In an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the association, its president Victor Moro called for the establishment of frank dialogue and for mutual respect in order to reach common positions and criteria.

After expressing support for dialogue between Spain and Cuba, he reiterated his desire for a better future for the Cuban people, whom "we always regard in the context of their inalienable right to choose their own destiny." He went on to affirm that "the future is in the hands of the 11 million Cubans who are suffering from an economic blockade that is as unjustifiable as it is hypocritical, and denounced by the United Nations.

Víctor Moro asked: "Why is that when economic relations with Cuba are being discussed that economic objectives are often linked with human considerations that should be treated separately."

In the context of economic relations with the island, he affirmed that Spain is still the main partner, except in the case of oil and its by-products, due to Spanish entrepreneurial and financial efforts.

He added that from 2001 to 2003, despite difficulties, the Iberian Peninsula has maintained an economic presence in Cuba above that of the other European Union countries. And, without any doubt, the island is the third Spanish client in Latin America, above countries as important as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and only surpassed by Mexico and Brazil.