MOSCOW -- (AP) -- Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on Saturday protested a
 move in the U.S. Congress to restrict financial aid to Russia unless it closes an
 electronic listening post in Cuba, a news agency reported.

 The House of Representatives' International Relations Committee approved the bill
 on Thursday over White House objections.

 Ivanov said such a move ``was in violation of all international norms because it
 constitutes interference in the internal affairs of foreign countries,'' the Interfax
 news agency reported.

 He said he ``hoped the decision would not be carried out by the U.S.
 administration.''

 The committee passed an amendment giving the U.S. president the option of
 waiving the restrictions if it is deemed to be in the national interest.

 Congressional Republicans say the facility, at Lourdes just south of Havana, has
 been recently upgraded by Russia. U.S. officials have acknowledged the
 existence of the listening post, but have said it helps Russia verify U.S.
 compliance with arms-control agreements.

                     Copyright 2000 Miami Herald