Cuba, Argentina Locked in War of Words on Diplomatic DisputeCuba's press refuted Thursday Argentina's complaint against Cuban President Fidel Castro's harsh words on the country, upgrading the verbal war between the two countries on diplomatic dispute. Castro, in a six-hour speech before international economists in Havana last Saturday, accused Argentina of "licking the boots of the Yankees" for announcing recently that it would vote in favor of a United Nations human rights resolution condemning Cuba.The Argentine government made a formal complaint to Cuba's ambassador in Buenos Aires Tuesday about Castro's remarks. In a separate statement from the United States, where he is currently on an official visit, Argentine Foreign Minister Adalberto Rodriguez Giavarini said he intends to meet Friday with Argentine ambassador to Cuba Oscar Torres Avalos, who was recalled from Havana in order to inform his government of the ties between Argentina and Cuba in the wake of Castro's verbal attack. Giavarini also threatened to take further actions. Cuba's official daily Granma and other local press media reproduced Thursday Wednesday's press conference in Buenos Aires by Havana's ambassador Alejandro Gonzalez regarding Argentina's complaint. Gonzalez expressed Cuba's rejection of the formal complaint by Argentina's Foreign Ministry for what he calls "aggravating expressions and judgments, unjust and contemptuous." The Cuban ambassador called unacceptable the document that threatens "a detailed analysis of the bilateral relationship," and further actions to follow. After clarifying that Cuba deeply respects, admires and has warm feeling for the Argentine people, Gonzalez noted "We won't accept threats, nor blackmail," saying "Cuba cannot be sacrificed on the alms' altar the United States provides." Rodriguez Giavarini, visiting Washington to arrange finance loans, considered Castro's remarks as a serious offense against the Argentine people and withdrew his ambassador in Havana. |
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