EU-Cuba talks unlikely to conclude before December deadline

The European Union and Cuba opened a new round of talks on normalizing ties yesterday (9 September) in Havana, taking on the sensitive subjects of politics and human rights.

Cuban state media said the two sides were expected to "conclude negotiations on cooperation and trade and open discussions on political dialogue" during the two-day talks.

The EU suspended relations with Cuba in 2003 over a crackdown on journalists and activists.

It began talks on restoring them in April 2014, aiming to persuade Havana to improve its rights record.