CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) --The White House urged the U.N. Human Rights
Commission to evict Cuba from the 53-nation panel, contending that Fidel Castro's
government has no interest in promoting the commission's mandate to protect freedom.

"No country should be allowed to sit on the Human Rights Commission if it
purposely and consistently undermines the spirit and purpose of the
commission," White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said a statement
Thursday.

Most commission members leave after three-year terms but Cuba has been
able to use its diplomatic clout, especially among Third World countries, to
retain its seat on essentially a permanent basis.

Officials said Cuba has been assured a place on the commission for the next
several years.

The White House statement was issued shortly after the commission, winding
up its annual meeting in Geneva, approved a resolution calling on Cuba to allow
a U.N. rights monitor to visit the island.

Despite U.S. efforts, the commission defeated an amendment expressing deep
concern about the recent crackdown on dissidents in Cuba.

Buchan said the United States remains "remain gravely concerned about the
fate of scores of Cuban citizens who have been unfairly arrested, tried and
sentenced for the crimes of speaking their minds, holding discussions and
seeking an alternative to 44 years of repression and fear."

Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.