Monday, 5 February, 2001, 07:03 GMT.
BBC News Online
President Castro made his comments during a six-hour speech
Argentina has recalled its ambassador to Cuba after remarks made by
President Fidel Castro accusing the Argentine Government of "licking the
yankee boot".
His comments came in a speech on Friday, and were apparently made in
reference to Argentina's alleged support for the United States' condemnation of
Cuba's human rights record.
Argentine Foreign Minister Alberto Giavarini said Mr Castro's comments were
of great significance and had offended both the Argentine Government and
republic.
Speaking on a visit to Washington, he said the ambassador had been recalled
for consultations and hinted that further measures may be taken.
The comments had caused Argentina "profound unease and displeasure,"
said Mr Giavarini.
'No shame'
During the six-hour speech to economists, Mr Castro also said Argentina's
neo-liberal economic policies reflected a lack of shame or sense of pride in the
country.
He alleged that Argentina was seeking to repay US support for a $40bn loan
from the World Bank last year by funding a human rights campaign against Cuba.
Mr Castro added: "If they play the same sorry role this year, they will
face a lot of discontent because we have a lot of friends in political parties
in Argentina."
In the same speech he also made references to the two Czech citizens
currently being detained in Cuba for what the authorities call conspiratorial
meetings with Cuban dissidents. | 