Castro Blogs About U.S. Spy Couple
Castro declares the "confrontation with the United States is ideological and has nothing to do with the security of that country." He also questions the timing of their arrest, suggesting it is intended to undermine the beginnings of a new policy toward Cuba launched by President Obama. And Castro predicts that the couple will not get a fair trial as prosecutors use the case to obtain political goals and the press crucifies them in advance as "traitors."
Castro, 82, who retired as Head of State one year ago, says he met with thousands of Americans in the period that the FBI indictment says he held a four-hour meeting with the Myers (in 1995) and can hardly remember a meeting with just 2 people. Around that time, he notes, he even held a very long meeting with hundreds of American students participating in the Semester at Sea program.
He takes particular note of the fact that the FBI accusation says the "couple received numerous medals but at the same time admits that they never sought money or personal benefits."
Castro further affirms that, "For my part, I can assure you that, as a question of principles, we have never tortured anyone or paid anyone to obtain any information. Those who in one way or another have contributed to protecting the lives of Cuban citizens in the face of terrorist plans and assassination plots against their leaders, part of numerous programs run by various U.S. Administrations, did so driven by their own consciences and in my opinion deserve all the honors in the world."
Castro's blog dated 3:12 p.m. ET Saturday is the first official mention in the local media of the spy case that broke Friday.
He stresses that it is "curious" that the news broke 24 hours "after the defeat suffered by United States diplomacy in the OAS General Assembly." And he questions why the Myers hadn't been arrested sooner if the FBI had them under control as the FBI indictment claims. This past week the Organization of American States by consensus revoked a 1962 resolution banning the newly triumphant Castro government from the Organization because of its ties with the former Soviet Union and lack of relations with Washington.
"This whole set up comes after Obama takes possession of the U.S. Presidency," writes Castro. "Perhaps the arrest was not influenced just by the tremendous setback suffered" at the OAS meeting "but also the news that contacts have been taking place between the governments of the United States and Cuba on important issues of common interest."
At the end of May, the U.S. offered to resume the twice-yearly migration talks with Havana, scuttled in 2003 by former President Bush. Havana accepted that offer and also agreed to Washington's suggestion that they take up the issue of direct mail service between the two countries. The Castro Government for its part suggested also talking about cooperation in counter narcotics, counter terrorism and hurricane preparedness.
Castro's blog notes that some of the media refer to a diary belonging to Gwendolyn Myers. "If all that is true, I would not stop admiring her unselfish and brave conduct toward Cuba."
After listing other incidents, such as threats against the life of President Obama by a man who has eight weapons registered in his name and whose whereabouts are unknown, and a GAO report on how easy it is to purchase nuclear weapons, Castro closes his blog with the question: Doesn't this little story of Cuban spying appear ridiculous to everyone?