Havana, February 11 (RHC)-- The Cuban government will consider the invitation made by the European Union to negotiate an agreement, according to a note published on the Foreign Ministry’s Web site. A statement signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra says Havana will consider it in a “respectful and constructive way.”

On Monday morning, the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union authorized the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, to assume negotiations for an Agreement of Political Dialogue and Cooperation between the European Union, its member states and the Republic of Cuba.

After the decision, Ashton assured that she was confident “that these negotiations will contribute to our commitment to Cuba. I hope that Cuba accepts this invitation and we can work in pursuit of a firmer relation.” She added that the human rights issue will continue being a central theme in the policy of the European Union towards Cuba.