US withdraws offer to send hurricane team to Cuba

[Judi Lynn]

US withdraws offer to send hurricane team to Cuba
02 Nov 2005 22:03:52 GMT

Source: Reuters
By Sue Pleming

WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday effectively withdrew an offer to send a U.S. team to longtime foe Cuba to assess damage from Hurricane Wilma, saying President Fidel Castro had politicized the mission.
(snip)

Last week, the State Department announced Cuba had accepted U.S. disaster aid for the first time "in memory" and that a three-member U.S. technical team was on standby to go to the communist-ruled island to assess what was needed after Hurricane Wilma.

Castro immediately denied his government had accepted such a gesture and said on live television he was annoyed Washington was distorting Cuba's intentions.The Cuban leader said he had only accepted a visit by the assessment team in an effort to build regional cooperation in dealing with the growing danger posed by hurricanes.
(snip)

A State Department official said Washington was annoyed at Castro's wish to use the assessment team as a tool to open up diplomatic channels with the United States.
(snip/...)

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N02239853.htm

[mtnester]

1. I would not put it past this administration, they lie about EVERYTHING

everything

[IndianaGreen]

2. Fidel is far more credible than Bush

Nothing the Bush regime says is to be believed!

[mtnester]

3. Exactly...as Judge Milian would say

not even if your TONGUE was notarized

[MichiganVote]

4. Run away! Run away! Bush hurricane relief on the way!