A total and ridiculous lie

                   • How the Cuban President qualified statements by the U.S.
                   undersecretary of state for Western Hemispheric affairs on an alleged
                   biological weapons program on the island

                   PRESIDENT Fidel Castro has described the accusation by Otto Reich,
                   U.S. undersecretary of state for Western Hemispheric Affairs, that
                   Cuba has a basic program for developing biological weapons as a
                   total and ridiculous lie.

                   Reich made the statement on Thursday, October 31 in a speech to
                   the Heritage Foundation in the United States.

                   Addressing the ninth ordinary session of the National Assembly of
                   People’s Power, the Cuban leader highlighted that once again the
                   enemies of the nation’s Revolution had shot themselves in the foot,
                   given that the press does not believe them and the U.S. people even
                   less so.

                   In a previous meeting with the national and foreign press on
                   November 1, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque denied
                   Reich’ charges, and challenged him to furnish evidence for them.

                   Pérez Roque described Reich’s arguments as virtually laughable,
                   lacking the slightest evidence, and ignoring the five reports from
                   1998-2002 by U.S. government officials and organizations - including
                   the CIA - which did not link Cuba to the production or possession of
                   such means of mass destruction.

                   The Cuban minister reiterated that the island’s research centers are
                   open to visiting scientists. He indicated that this is a part of a sudden
                   campaign by Reich who, nevertheless, was opposed to the two
                   countries signing bilateral agreements proposed by the island to
                   cooperate in combating drug and person trafficking and to create an
                   anti-terrorism cooperation program. Reich is also against Cuba’s
                   offer to help with medical research aimed at the West Nile virus that
                   is threatening the hemisphere.

                   Among the reasons that might explain Reich’s constant campaign of
                   lies, Pérez Roque indicated that he was attempting to curry favor
                   with Miami extremist groups from whom he might need support in
                   the event of failing to retain his position when the next session of
                   Congress begins, given that the legislature should review his
                   provisional appointment after one year.

                   The Cuban Foreign Minister added that the U.S. undersecretary of
                   state is trying to fuel further elements of confrontation and tension
                   between the two countries, and is doing so at a time when there is
                   more evidence than ever of growing demands from U.S. society,
                   businesspersons, the press and the majority of Cubans who live
                   there in favor of a change of policy towards the island.

                   UNCHARTED PATHS IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

                   In another part of his speech to the Cuban Parliament, President Fidel
                   Castro indicated that the country is advancing along uncharted paths
                   of social development for every citizen without exception.

                   As an example, he referred to the fact that in two years, Cuba has
                   managed to achieve the figure of 20 pupils per classroom in the
                   capital’s schools, and this would soon be a reality throughout the
                   country.

                   He also cited the experience underway in the western province of
                   Pinar del Río where secondary school students are receiving a double
                   learning session.

                   Fidel likewise highlighted the role of the urban organic farms that are
                   now able to offer healthy, fresh vegetables to the population and
                   whose annual production should reach three million tons this year.

                   At the same time, this program has created a new concept of
                   campesino production for those involved in this work in the cities. At
                   the same time, the city farms have also become a source of
                   employment requiring minimum investment.

                   Additionally, no pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers are used
                   in the cultivation of these vegetables, explained the Cuban president.

                   Regarding health care, he referred to current research in Havana and
                   the eastern provinces of Granma and Sancti Spíritus into the causes
                   of children’s learning and mental disabilities. The study does not only
                   encompass preventative methods but also seeks immediate
                   solutions.

                   The Revolution has fulfilled its plans to raise the living standards of
                   campesinos and the rest of the population, and will continue to do
                   so, affirmed Fidel.