Havana, March 11 (RHC)- Benoît Standaert, Consul of the Belgian embassy in Havana, has asserted that ever since 1996, relations between the European Union and Cuba have been hampered by the European Bloc's so-called 'common stance' on Cuba.

In statements to Radio Havana Cuba, the Belgian diplomat said: “The decision has now been taken, and we hope that beginning today, March 11th, the EU will take firm steps as a united bloc towards repealing that 'common position', which prevents us from participating in Cuba's development.”

The Belgian consul in Havana added that the framework agreement signed Friday in Havana between the EU and Cuba provides for joint cooperation projects at the political, economic and cultural levels.