Three Cuban dissident leaders say they oppose new U.S. policies designed to speed Cuba's transition to democracy after leader Fidel Castro's death.
In separate written statements issued Monday, dissidents Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo, Oswaldo Paya and Elizardo Sanchez Santacruz called the measures inappropriate. Mr. Sanchez described the action as "counter-productive meddling."

Mr. Gutierrez is leader of a group known as Cuban Change; Mr. Sanchez runs the National Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation; and Mr. Paya is chair of the Varela Project.

The men were responding to President Bush's announcement Thursday that he would direct nearly $60 million to be spent over two years to help "hasten the day" when "the Cuban people will be free."

Mr. Bush plans to spend $18 million to broadcast from aircraft flying in international airspace and U.S. government-sponsored radio and television programs that Mr. Castro's government now jams.

The United States also will tighten restrictions on the amount of cash that Cuban expatriates in the United States can send to relatives on their home island. In addition, the number of permitted expatriate visits with Cuban families will be reduced from once a year to once every three years.

The proposals were made in response to 500 pages of recommendations submitted to the president earlier this week by the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba.

President Bush created the study group - headed by Secretary of State Colin Powell - about six months ago to suggest ways the United States can help the Cuban people end Mr. Castro's dictatorship. The United States wants to undermine Mr. Castro's reported plans for his brother Raul to succeed him.

Friday, the Cuban government said the U.S. proposals were cruel and a violation of human rights laws.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.