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LA PAZ, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Bolivian President Hugo Banzer said on Friday
that despite differences with Cuban President Fidel Castro about the ``concept
of democracy,'' he would consider visiting the Communist-ruled nation.
``I don't see any reason why I would have to think about or give
explanations if on some occasion I visited Cuba, in spite of the fact that I
maintain marked differences with President Castro over the concept of
democracy,'' Banzer said in a written reply to a question by Reuters.
The annual Ibero-American summit, which brings together the leaders of all
Latin America plus those of Spain and Portugal, is scheduled to be held in Cuba
in October. Banzer's 1999 agenda includes the event.
Banzer, a retired general, first ruled Bolivia as a dictator for seven years
after leading a bloody coup in 1971.
Human rights groups say that during his reign, thousands of leftists were
jailed, dozens of people disappeared and many were tortured.
Banzer was elected as president last year after several failed attempts to
regain the presidency at the ballot box.
Banzer declined to give an opinion on the arrest of former Chilean dictator
Augusto Pinochet in Britain for alleged responsibility for massive human rights
abuses.
``We think the situation of General Pinochet is an issue that exclusively
concerns the governments of Chile, Spain and Great Britain,'' Banzer said in his
statement.
The Bolivian president gave his backing to former Venezuelan paratrooper
Hugo Chavez, who was elected as Venezuela's president this year after failing to
overthrow the government in 1992.
``I cannot but wish him the best of success during his term for the benefit
of our brothers in Venezuela,'' Banzer said in his statement.
13:14 01-29-99
Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited |