21 June 2004

by Anai Rhoads

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Veriana Media - An estimated 200,000 protesters banded together on Malecon highway in the Republic of Cuba on Monday, to rally against what the citizens believe may be a possible invasion by the United States.

The Bush administration has repeatedly denied such an attack is in the works, but Cuban leader Fidel Castro came out in full-force to warn Bush that to even consider such an attack on the island would be a mistake.

"Here, you will not find a divided people," said the impassioned leader of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) in a speech Monday morning.

Castro believes the recently tightened sanctions against the country may be a sign that America will swoop in for a regime change. The leader believes America will arrange for his younger brother, Raul, to one day replace him.

"Do not try crazy adventures such as surgical strikes or wars of attrition using sophisticated techniques because you could lose control of the situation," said the leader. "You would never be able to win that war."

Currently, Cuban-Americans are allowed to visit relatives once every 12 months. After 30 June 2004 however, the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will only allow individuals to visit the island once every three years.

In addition to restricted travel, significant limitations will be in place on funds sent to Cuba. The newly revised sanctions will deny funds sent to anyone other than the individual's children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, or spouse.

Both restrictions will have a serious emotional and financial impact on the 11 million people who live in Havana. The country has been under a strict U.S. embargo since 1961, but has managed to stay afloat despite the economical restrictions.

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