September 22, 1997

Spain says Cuba relations "practically normal"

MADRID, Spain (Reuter) - Spanish Foreign Minister Abel Matutes said in an interview published Sunday that relations with Cuba had returned almost to normal but it was too soon to speak of appointing a new ambassador.

``We are in a situation which is practically normal, but in which differences exist,'' Matutes told the Spanish daily El Pais.

``Spain continues to encourage reforms and political change to improve human rights in Cuba. In this context of progressive normalisation of correct relations, when the moment arrives, an ambassador will be named,'' Matutes said.

In November 1996, Havana withdrew its approval for a new Spanish ambassador, accusing the Spanish government of Jose Maria Aznar of meddling in its internal affairs.

The Madrid government had sharply criticized what it said was the lack of freedom in Cuba under Communist President Fidel Castro, who has been in power since 1959. The Caribbean island state was once a Spanish colony.

13:21 09-21-97