Russian Aid Arrives in Hurricane-Battered Cuba

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Russian aid arrives in hurricane-battered Cuba

HAVANA, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Two Russian planes loaded with aid for
victims of Hurricane Michelle arrived in Cuba on Tuesday amid
tensions between the two former allies caused by Moscow's recent
decision to close a spy base on the island.

The planes carried 49 tonnes of canned meat, rice, other food
products, and glass to alleviate damage from Michelle, which tore
through central Cuba earlier this month killing five people, leaving
thousands homeless, and inflicting economic damage across a third of
the country.

"This is a very concrete gesture showing the mutual respect and
unbreakable friendship that unites our two peoples," the Russian
ambassador to Cuba, Andrey Dimitriev, said upon arrival of the aid.

Less than a month ago Moscow announced it would close its Lourdes
intelligence-gathering base just outside Havana, drawing applause
from Washington and condemnations from President Fidel Castro's
government.

The base was used to monitor communications in the United States and
its closure will end Russia's decades-old military presence on the
island.

Cubans should have little trouble recognizing the canned Russian meat
donated to them, as it was sold in huge quantities in Cuba up to a
decade ago when the Soviet Union, which was the communist-run
country's main political and economic partner, collapsed.

Two of Cuba's current allies, China and Venezuela, have also sent
hurricane relief.

19:16 11-13-01
 
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nyteeu-11.13.01-22:21:47-13687