CUBA NEWS
January 5, 2003

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State Department Expels Cuban Diplomat

By George Gedda, Associated Press Writer . Sat Jan 3.

WASHINGTON, 3 - The State Department has expelled a Cuban diplomat, accusing him of associating with criminal elements, U.S. officials said.

The expulsion of Roberto Socorro Garcia, a third secretary at the Cuban mission in Washington, was carried out last month without announcement. Officials at the Cuban mission did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Cuba has announced no retaliatory measures in response to the expulsion, said the U.S. officials, asking not to be identified.

The officials said that about 20 Cuban diplomats have been expelled since late 2002. In May, the istration ordered home seven Cuban diplomats in Washington and seven more from the United Nations, charging that all were engaged inappropriate activities.

Four others were expelled in the fall of 2002.

Saturday was the 43rd anniversary of the break in U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba, an event triggered by President Fidel Castro's order to expel 76 U.S. diplomats, accusing them of spy activities.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower responded by severing diplomatic ties.

Relations have never been restored, but since 1977 the two countries have operated diplomatic missions in each other's capital. Unlike embassies, these missions are not headed by ambassadors.

President Bush said in October that the United States would tighten enforcement of its economic embargo on Cuba and provide a haven to more fleeing Cubans while planning for the day when Castro's rule comes to an end.

"Clearly, the Castro regime will not change by its own choice. But Cuba must change," Bush said at the White House.

Bush said the United States also would step up enforcement of existing restrictions against the communist government, such as the ban on American tourism, and would increase inspections of people and shipments going to and from Cuba.



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