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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Raul Castro warns of "high cost" against invading Cuba

Raul Castro warns of "high cost" against invading Cuba

Cuban Defense Minister Raul Castro on Monday warned against an invasion
of his country, saying the price paid by invaders would be high.

"If anyone attacks us, we're ready to pay any price necessary, but the
price paid by the invaders of our country would be much higher," said
the 75 year-old during a speech to troops participating in a military
exercises in the western Pinar del Rio province.

Raul, who has been the Caribbean country's defence minister since 1959,
called the Cuban revolution "unbeatable."

The exercises are to help the country improve the preparedness of its
armed forces, he said, adding that Cuba is training its military for the
presence of an enemy politically committed to the destruction of the
revolution. The Island nation is less than 200 km from the east coast of
the United States.

Referring to Fidel Castro's health, Raul said the leader is "recovering
steadily" and that his recovery is satisfactory. Raul assumed control of
the government on July 31 when Fidel Castro, 80, underwent intestinal
surgery forcing him to cede power.

Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque confirmed the news,
saying Fidel is improving and getting back to work.

Roque, who was in Paris for a UNESCO meeting, said Castro's steady
recovery was bound to disappoint the administration of U.S. President
George W. Bush.

"It's not good news for Bush, nor for the government of the United
States," Roque said. "But it's the truth that Fidel is recuperating, is
doing physical exercise and is much stronger."

Source: Xinhua

http://english.people.com.cn/200703/13/eng20070313_357015.html

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