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Yahoo! Thu Jul 4,10:41 Am Et . By Anita Snow, Associated
Press Writer
HAVANA - Cuba's communist officials were to pay homage to the American
people Thursday evening with an unprecedented July 4 observance aimed at showing
that they respect Americans and their traditions even if they don't like their
government.
The unusual cultural event in Havana's Karl Marx theater was to feature
music and poetry in honor of the "noble" American people on the
anniversary of their independence, the Communist party daily Granma said
Thursday. No other details were provided.
"The cultural, spiritual, and moral legacy of the American people is
also the patrimony of Cuba and of the Cuban people," Granma said. It was
unknown if President Fidel Castro would attend or if the event would be open to
international journalists.
At the same time, the government announced that its evening television
program Thursday would be dedicated to "the historic significance of the
United States' Independence Day."
Castro himself often points out that his government's disagreement with the
administration of U.S. President George W. Bush has nothing to do with its
feeling toward the American people.
Tensions between the two countries have been especially high since Bush
promised on May 20 that he would not ease American restrictions against Cuba
until Castro's government holds multiparty elections and undertakes other
reforms. | 
