Havana Blames Mexican Minister for Castro Exit

Still smarting at a perceived snub during a U.N. summit last week, Cuba blasted Mexico’s “diabolical” and “Machiavellian” foreign minister as the man responsible for President Fidel Castro’s walkout at the event.

A statement by the ruling Communist Party blamed the Mexican minister, Jorge Castaneda, for pressuring Castro to stay away from the meeting in Monterrey, Mexico, to avoid a politically awkward crossing with President Bush. Castro eventually attended the development summit but created a diplomatic flurry with a dramatic walkout.

Cuban officials in Havana later alleged that Castro was pressured by Mexico, on behalf of the U.S., first not to attend, then to leave before Bush’s arrival. Castaneda has denied the charges.