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NEWS
Posted on Fri, Sep. 26, 2003
Brazilian
President Arrives in Cuba
ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
Associated Press
HAVANA - Brazil's leftist president arrived in Cuba Friday for a 26-hour
visit to discuss regional trade, aid and political integration with his
old friend Fidel Castro - while keeping quiet on the communist island's
internal affairs.
Castro personally greeted President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the
airport when he arrived midday on a morning flight from Mexico. Dressed
in his traditional olive green uniform, the Cuban leader hugged Silva at
the end of the red carpet leading up to his plane.
The pair took a black Mercedes Benz sedan to the Brazilian ambassador's
residence, where a lunch was scheduled. A formal ceremony for Silva at
the Palace of the Revolution was scheduled for the afternoon.
Silva's visit to Cuba comes as the island faces increased U.S. and
European criticism for a massive crackdown that sent 75 dissidents to
prison for terms ranging from six to 28 years.
Relatives and supporters of the Cuban dissidents have asked Silva to
intervene on their behalf during meetings with Castro. But after his
meeting Thursday night with Mexican President Vicente Fox, Silva
indicated he had no such plan.
"I don't give opinions about the internal political conditions of other
countries," Silva told a Mexico City news conference.
Silva has toned down his once-radical image and wants to maintain good
relations with Castro without antagonizing Brazil's No. 1 trading
partner, the United States.
Brazil's ambassador to Havana, Tilden Santiago, said earlier this week
his country hopes to help Cuba find "its rightful place" in world
affairs.
Since taking office nine months ago, Silva has promoted regional
integration, meeting with nearly every South American nation.
Brazil's national Development Bank is negotiating a credit line of up to
$400 million to finance Cuban imports of Brazilian machinery, farm
equipment and food.
Santiago said Silva might also begin renegotiating a $40 million Cuban
debt and arrange the purchase of some Cuban products.
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