Gorbachev: U.S. Should Sup****t Raul Castro's Reforms In Cuba
April 17, 2008 12:15 p.m. EST
Matthew Borghese - AHN Editor
Miami, FL (AHN) - At a speaking engagement in Florida, former Soviet
Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev urged the United States and Latin America
to sup****t Raul Castro has he introduces reforms in Cuba.
At 77 years-old, Gorbachev is best remembered as the former General
Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) who helped
introduce sweeping reforms in Russia like perestroika (restructuring)
and glasnost (openness).
"I believe that Raul Castro will continue in, many ways, the cause of
his brother, but I do believe that there will be changes. I believe that
both the Americans and Latin America should respond and help facilitate
that change," Gorbachev said during a speech at the Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
"I've visited Cuba, and Cuban leaders visited Russia many times... I
knew both Fidel and Raul Castro well. Fidel and I had a very friendly
relation****p and a direct discussion of all questions. When I was still
working in Stavropol in the south of Russia, Raul and his wife came to
visit as our guest, so I know Raul too."
I have said many times, including here in Florida, that the economic
embargo should be lifted," Gorbachev explained. "I recommended that when
I was the Soviet leader to President [George H.W.] Bush, but there are
certain things in this country that take a long time to solve."
"I think it was a mistake [for the West] to demonize Fidel Castro; he
was an outstanding and very talented leader. Fidel responded to the
peoples' need for independence and Cuba is an independent country. I
believe it's a good country, even though they are facing difficulties,"
Gorbachev said.
"I think that the Cuban revolution was, in its time, a truly popular
revolution. Today, the Cuban people are educated, they are healthy and
they live well. I believe that they have one of the best medical systems
among other achievements. I believe that we have to recognize that the
revolution was the choice of the Cuban people and every nation must be
allowed to make its own free choices." Gorbachev added.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010671465
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