EU lifts sanctions

The European Union has lifted sanctions imposed on Cuba in 2003 in protest against the Cuban government\'s imprisonment of more than 70 dissidents.



EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner says the union will continue to monitor human rights conditions in Cuba.



Ms Ferrero-Waldner says the member states wanted to promote change in Cuba after Raul Castro took over as the head of government from his ailing brother, Fidel.



Meanwhile, Miriam Leiva - one of the founding members of a dissident group says the move is unwarranted as the island\'s new president had not made any significant moves towards creating a more open or democratic society.



The EU sanctions were reportedly suspended in 2005, but not completely removed.