Cuba, EU approve road map on normalization talks

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba and the European Union have closed a first round of talks on normalizing relations troubled since the 1990s after agreeing to a road map for further discussions.

EU official Christian Leffler says they have established "the general structure" for future talks and "the principal elements to be included."

Leffler says talks have not yet touched on the EU's so-called "Common Position" of 1996, which has driven policy toward the island and bars full cooperation between Europe and Havana.

EU officials say concerns about civil liberties and democratic participation will continue to influence policy.

Cuba says it is open to talking about any issue.

Leffler spoke Wednesday at the EU Embassy in Havana. He said talks will resume at an unspecified date.