By Jim Burns. CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer. May 15,
2001. CNS News
(CNSNews.com) - Cuban leader Fidel Castro has once again praised Secretary
of State Colin Powell, calling him a "good communicator" during a
stopover in the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar. On Saturday, during a stop in
Malaysia, Castro called Powell "a man of character and authority."
Castro, in an attempt to boost bilateral relations between Cuba, Middle
Eastern and Asian nations, has made recent visits to Algeria, Iran and Malaysia.
He does not release his travel schedule in advance.
Castro is quoted as saying that he does not believe what U.S. officials say
because they are "demagogues," but he said Powell has "merit"
because he has the ability to communicate and he "could have become
president if he had wanted to."
The State Department Tuesday had no comment on Castro's latest praise.
During a House subcommittee hearing last month, Powell said Castro has "done
good things for his people." But at the same hearing, Powell said the Cuban
leader -- unlike the leaders of China, Vietnam and North Korea -- is in a time
warp because he has shown no signs of recognizing that the world is changing.
Dennis Hays, the head of the Cuban American National Foundation, doesn't
read too much into the complimentary talk.
"I think it's a one sided love affair," said Hays. "Despite
(Powell's) comments that were taken out of context in the hearing, I think
Secretary Powell has been pretty clear. He has no affection, or tolerance, for
Castro and I think Castro is just clutching at any straw that he can but it's
not going to change anything," Hays said.
President Bush has said that the economic embargo would remain in effect
against Cuba as long as Castro remains in power.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and
Venezuelan President Hugh Chavez announced jointly that they are ready "to
boost relations in Cuba on the basis of respect, trust and independence."
The declaration came in a joint statement that criticized the U.S.
financial, economic and trade embargo against Cuba.
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