Cuba must make human rights gestures

The European Union’s development commissioner wants Cuba to show signs it’s serious about protecting fundamental human rights. Karel De Gucht met President Raul Castro while wrapping up a visit to Cuba.

The island’s government wants the EU to scrap its “common position” calling for a transition to democracy and better human rights guarantees in Cuba.

Lines behind Antilles amnesty

Hundreds of people have been lining up outside immigration offices in the Netherlands Antilles this week to take advantage of an amnesty for illegal migrants.

As many as 70,000 immigrants – mostly Haitian, Guyanese and Jamaican – are estimated to be living on the five Dutch Caribbean islands without valid residency papers or work permits.  Papers will be given to those who can prove they have lived in the Antilles since 31 December, 2006, or can show a valid contract from an employer.

PM nomination’s ‘secure’

The economist named to become Haiti’s new prime minister looks set to win approval by both houses of parliament.

Jean-Max Bellerive will replace Michele Pierre-Louis, who was fired by the Senate last month on the grounds she failed to improve the country’s economy.

Influential lawmakers are predicting a speedy ratification for Mr Bellerive, the experienced and respected former planning and external cooperation minister.

The Senate is expected to meet as early as Friday to consider his appointment. Senator Joseph Lambert, a leader of President Rene Preval’s governing Lespwa party, said the nominee should win easy confirmation in the Senate.

Luca Sainvil, a majority leader in the lower Chamber of Deputies, said he hoped to see Bellerive take office and form a new government within a matter of days.