By Jim Burns. CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer. May 18, 2001
(CNSNews.com) - The Castro government is blasting legislation being proposed in Congress that would give "humanitarian aid" to dissidents in Cuba. The communist government said that while Fidel Castro is traveling the world trying to strengthen international relations, "ultra-
right-wing North Americans are once again pushing the U.S. Congress to pass new anti-Cuba laws."
In an editorial broadcast Thursday night, Radio Havana, the official voice of the Castro government, said it looked like "extreme right-wing forces based in Miami are looking for a payback for their help in placing George W. Bush in the White House under the most dubious circumstances."
The editorial said, "Even as the Cuban president is consolidating friendship and cooperation with nations of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, forces within the United States are busy preparing new aggressions against the island." Radio Havana suggested that any money earmarked for
dissidents in Cuba "will end in the pockets of the so-called anti-Cuba 'mafia' in Miami."
The editorial concluded, "This is just one more way of thanking the Florida-based extreme right-wing for favors rendered. It is characteristic of Washington to buy what it wants, since it is often impossible for the U.S. to convince others to participate in their anti-Cuba campaigns."
The legislation, entitled the "Cuban Solidarity Act," was introduced in the Senate Wednesday by Sens. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.). It would provide $100 million over four years to pro-democracy and human rights activists in Cuba.
The money would be used to provide cash, fax machines, telephones, books - as well as food and medicine - to critics of the Castro government. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) has introduced similar legislation in the House.
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