The United States has deported a Cuban diplomat for criminal activity related to narco-trafficking, State Department officials said
yesterday. The action was taken last month without public announcement.

The Associated Press first reported yesterday that Roberto Socorro Garcia, a third secretary of the Cuban mission in Washington, was
declared persona non grata for associating with criminal elements.

The step differs from earlier expulsions of Cuban and other diplomats for activities incompatible with their diplomatic status, often the
language used to refer to espionage activities. In contrast to its earlier reactions, including the expulsion of U.S. envoys, Cuba did not
reciprocate, U.S. officials said.

Since late 2002, about 20 Cuban diplomats have been told to leave the United States, the State Department said.

Confirmation yesterday of the latest U.S. deportation fell on the 43rd anniversary of the day the Eisenhower administration severed
diplomatic ties with Cuba, following President Fidel Castro's decision to deport 76 U.S. diplomats, all on espionage charges.

-- Robin Wright

                                    © 2004