level political visits to Cuba. Spanish officials said those measures had served their purpose of raising the profile of Cuban dissidents and gaining them international recognition, but had led to a dead end that limited European influence in Cuba. DEFENDING DISSIDENTS The diplomatic freeze hinders contact with middle-level Cuban officials, as well as intellectuals and artists who have been told not to attend European diplomatic events. Some countries insist whatever changes are made -- scrapping the National Day receptions altogether is one option -- the visibility of Cuba's dissidents must be maintained. Skeptical diplomats in Havana believe Cuba has no interest in improving relations with Europe if it means making changes. "The former eastern bloc countries are saying: 'Forget about it. We know how these people work and you will get nowhere,'" said one diplomat. With the re-election of U.S. President George W. Bush, who is stepping up efforts to undermine Castro, Cuba will likely keep the lid firmly shut on dissent, a South American diplomat said. Cuban dissidents oppose any relaxation of policy toward Castro, who they believe is on his last legs. They say they can survive without the cocktail parties, like they did for years. "The problem is not getting invited to receptions. I can drink rum at any corner bar with an ambassador," said dissident journalist Manuel Vazquez Portal, freed from jail in June. "The issue is recognition for an opposition movement that has been repressed for so long."
