Cuba, U.S. to hold human rights dialogue on March 31

Cuba and the United States will hold their first meeting on human rights on March 31 in Washington, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said here Thursday.

"Cuba hopes the dialogue to take place in a constructive environment, on reciprocal basis," said Pedro Luis Pedroso, deputy director of Multilateral Affairs and International Law, adding that talks should respect the sovereign equality without discriminatory treatment, and do not interfere in each other's domestic affairs.

Cuba first proposed the meeting in June 2014 and reiterated the idea in January 2015. These talks will be held in parallel to the ongoing rounds of negotiations aimed at restoring diplomatic relations.

Cuba will present its achievements in promotion and protection of human rights, not only for its citizens but also for many other countries through the cooperation in areas such as health and education, Pedroso said.

At the same time, Cuba will address its "concerns" on the situation of human rights in the United States and in other nations where Washington has direct influence, the official said.

Cuba is aware of the "deep differences with the U.S. government in the field of political systems, democracy and human rights, and international law, but we have the unwavering willingness that both countries may interact in a civilized way with respect and recognition for these differences," Pedroso said.

Since President Barack Obama announced a historical, new policy toward Cuba aimed at ending more than five decades of estrangement between the two countries in December, the two sides have engaged in three rounds of talks, with no major announcements about the progress toward reopening embassies. Endite