HAVANA, Cuba (AP) --A new climate of cooperation reigns in Cuba-U.S.
relations, proving that the two historical enemies are capable of getting along,
Defense Minister Raul Castro said Saturday.

Speaking with a small group of journalists after a government rally just outside
Havana, Fidel Castro's younger brother characterized the recent wave of visits by
U.S. lawmakers and business people as "positive."

The visits "have demonstrated that there can be a mutually beneficial rapprochement,
done respectfully and without interfering with anyone's internal affairs," said Raul
Castro, the man his brother has designated as his successor.

Nevertheless, the younger Castro said, Cuba-U.S. relations remain "unpredictable."

On a separate issue, the defense minister said authorities are still working to capture
those responsible for the mass murder of five people in an apparent highway robbery
in central Cuba late last year.

"We are hoping to capture them," Castro said in the first public official response to
the murders in Matanzas province of a Cuban-born couple who now live in Florida,
their daughter, a grandson and a family friend.

The FBI revealed last week that Cuba had sought its help in solving the mass
murders of five people -- including two Cuban-born Florida residents -- late last
year.

On the subject of his older brother, the defense minister said that Fidel Castro --
who did not attend the Saturday rally -- continues to work at an "excessive" rhythm,
"goes to sleep very late and is working a lot."

Copyright 2002 The Associated Press.