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HAVANA - Putting an end to nearly five decades of animosity between Cuba and its ideological foe the United States depends entirely on Washington, Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in an editorial published on Monday.
In his latest commentary in the ruling Communist Party newspaper Granma, Castro quoted parts of a speech he gave in 2000 to remind Cubans of the need to safeguard Cuba's sovereignty in the face of the United States, which has enforced an economic embargo against the island for 45 years.
"Changes in US policy toward Cuba have to be unilateral, because the blockade and economic war against Cuba was declared unilaterally by the authorities of that country," he wrote in an opinion piece.
The article was the latest of several in recent weeks in which the 80-year-old Castro has insisted on the need to hunker down in the face of what Havana sees as US aggression.
Raul Castro, who took over as acting president nearly 11 months ago because of Fidel Castro's ill health, has offered twice to sit down at the negotiating table with US officials to resolve the long-standing dispute between the two countries on the basis of "mutual respect."
Washington rebuffed the offer for talks, saying it would deal with Raul Castro's government only when it showed a clear commitment to a peaceful transition to democracy.
Fidel Castro has not been seen in public since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July last year, when he handed over power temporarily to his younger brother.
Cuban officials insist there are no significant differences between the Castro brothers, who took power in a 1959 revolution and have led the country ever since.
Fidel Castro has returned to public life since March by writing occasional articles, called Reflections of the Commander in Chief. He has been writing more frequently and has received several foreign leaders in recent weeks, fueling speculation that his health is improving. He has not said if he will return to power.
Western diplomats and many Cuba watchers believe Fidel Castro's improving health could slow or block any attempts at economic reforms on the island, or efforts to soften Havana's stance toward the United States.
- REUTERS
