Cubandissidents have criticised Spainafter it signed agreements with Havanato discuss human rights and reinstate Spanish aid.

The dealscame on the second day of a visit by Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spain's foreignminister, whose government has led efforts to revive EU-Cuban relations hurt byHavana's jailing of 75 dissidents four years ago.

MartaBeatriz Roque, leader of the illegal Assembly for the Promotion of CivilSociety, said: "I do not believe at all in the deal, or in the good willof the Spanish government."

VladimiroRoca, a former political prisoner, said: "We will have to wait forthe results."

"Zapatero[Spain'sprime minister] has ignored all opposition requests to respect humanrights," he said. Moratinos "came to ensure Spain's investments in Cuba".

FelipePerez Roque, the Cuban foreign minister, said the talks had not touched on thesubject of Cuban political prisoners.

"Thisis not a matter we discuss with other countries," he said, and hesaid that Moratinos had not brought it up.

Perez Roqueagreed to talks with Spain,he adamantly opposed discussions with the rest of Europeuntil it lifted EU sanctions "definitively."

"Wecannot talk with anyone imposing sanctions on us," he said.

Spanishchange

Spain's policy on Cuba shifted after Jose LuisRodriguez Zapatero, the socialist prime minister, came to power in 2004.

Hisconservative predecessor, Jose Maria Aznar, had adopted a policy of isolating Cuba.

OnTuesday, Moratinos also met Raul Castro, Cuba's interim president sinceJuly, when his brother, Fidel, underwent intestinal surgery.

TheEuropean Union imposed political and diplomatic sanctions on Cuba in 2003after the government arrested and sentenced 75 dissidents to jail terms of sixto 28 years.

Sixteenhave since been released due to poor health.

The EUmust decide in June whether to extend the sanctions.