www.DemocraticFundamentalism.org - Globalization - Countries - Cuba - 6/12/2002

MIAMI, June 11 — President Fidel Castro of Cuba has called for "massive marches" on Wednesday to protest the Bush administration's hard-line policies against his government and support a move to declare socialist Cuba "untouchable."

Mr. Castro announced the demonstrations in a speech on Monday in which he rejected President Bush's calls for free elections and respect for human rights in Cuba.

"We are not a military power, but a moral and patriotic one," Mr. Castro said, according to an article today in Granma, the Communist Party newspaper, "a nation with a profound sentiment of justice and freedom that can only prosper with this socialist system."

Cuba's economy has been buffeted. Venezuela has suspended much-needed oil shipments, consumer prices have risen and tourism has been slow. To make up for a reduced flow of dollars, the government recently began accepting the euro.

But rather than ease his stance against the United States, Mr. Castro been increasingly defiant.

Be a NEW PATRIOT. Do it for America. Do it for yourself. Click here for more!

Webnotes: Info on updates & tech issues

(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this/some material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.)

	Globalization - Countries - Cuba Castro Urges Protest of Bush's Criticism By THE NEW YORK TIMES 6/12/2002