Havana: Cuban leader Fidel Castro has accused the Czech Republic of spying on his country in a blistering verbal attack. The Czech embassy in Havana was "a cave of spies" which had "spent 10 years spying," he said on Friday, during the final session of an international economists' meeting in Havana. His comments came as Cuba continued to hold two Czech officials, arrested in the central Cuban province of Ciego de Avila on January 12, 2001 after meeting pro-democracy dissidents.
Castro demanded that the Czech Republic offer an apology for the activities of former Czech Finance Minister Ivan Pilip and former student leader Jan Bubenik who were charged with acting against Cuba's security and inciting a rebellion. Cuban authorities have claimed the two detainees acted on behalf of American interests, gathering information and providing instructions to anti-communist dissidents. They could face up to 20 years in jail if convicted.
Czech President Vaclav Havel has refused to apologise but Castro suggested such action would help solve the dispute between the two countries.
"Offer an apology to our country -- there must be an excuse," Castro said. "We are telling the truth and we have the proof."
U.S. officials have branded the accusations "ludicrous" and Havel and Prime Minister Milos Zeman said the country had no reason to apologise. "There have not been any credible charges nor any substantial evidence brought against our two citizens, so I see no reason why we should apologise in this matter," Zeman said earlier.
Czech Senate President Petr Pithart is currently in Cuba hoping to meet Castro to discuss the case. Pilip's wife, Lucie, who visited her husband in prison last week, said the two are in good spirits and good physical condition and are awaiting trial, expected within 60 days - "Castro accuses Czechs of spying," CNN, The Associated Press contributed to this report, Feb 3, 2001
Bump!