Cuba slams criticism, defies UN rights forum

Thursday, March 18, 2004

GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP): Cuba defied the United Nations' top human rights body on Wednesday by rejecting a UN expert's criticism of abuse in the country and barring her from the country.

"She has ended up acting as an instrument at the service of the US government," Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque told the annual meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

The expert, Catherine Chanet -- who is French -- released a report last month calling for the release of 75 opponents of Fidel Castro's regime who were arrested about one year ago.

Perez del Roque said Cuba "does not accept" a request that Chanet visit the country, even though the demand is regarded by human rights groups as a soft option.

It was made in a resolution presented to the Commission last year by three Latin American countries -- Uruguay, Peru and Nicaragua -- which was approved by the 53-member UN body.

EU countries and the US had wanted a tougher resolution.

In her report, Chanet said she had "particularly alarming" information about the "very trying conditions from the physical and psychological point of view" in which the detainees were being held.

Their arrest of the group, including poet and author Raul Rivero, in March and April 2003 and their sentencing to between six and 25 years in jail caused an international outcry.

The report by the personal representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also called for a review of laws restricting freedom of expression and association and the right to demonstrate.

But Perez del Roque slammed the report as "politicized and partial" during the meeting.

"Cuba does not accept being accused at this Commission in a high-handed politicised and discriminatory manner," the foreign minister said in a speech that was largely devoted to virulent criticism of the United States.

The report also highlighted "positive aspects" in Cuba's efforts for health and education, and moves to improve the status of women, allow freedom of religion and foster some dialogue with the UN on human rights.

Chanet criticised tensions between the United States and Cuba, warning that US laws and funding aimed against the regime provided Cuban authorities with an opportunity to "tighten repression" against political opposition.

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