| Press Statement Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 7, 2003 Cuba: Castro Attacks on Chief of U.S. Interests SectionThe United States fully supports the work being carried out by the Chief of our Interests Section in Cuba, Mr. James Cason, and protests the derogatory remarks against him made by Fidel Castro on March 6 before Cuba’s National Assembly. Castro singled out Mr. Cason for criticism for having attended a celebration at the home of a noted human rights activist to mark a milestone towards Cuba’s independence. Castro’s defamatory language and his criticism of Mr. Cason’s comments in support of democracy and freedom underscore yet again that Castro abhors freedom of expression and fears any measure of support for human rights in Cuba. Mr. Cason carries out his responsibilities with the highest degree of professionalism and in a manner fully consistent with U.S. values and priorities. The United States places high priority on supporting the Cuban people in a peaceful transition to democracy. Despite Castro’s repeated threats to close the U.S. Interests Section, we will continue to reach out to Cubans to assure them that they are not alone as they work toward a free, democratic, and prosperous future.
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