Military

DATE=11/13/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CUBA / U-N (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-283082

BYLINE=OWEN FAY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Cuba's foreign minister has sharply criticized the U-S-led military attacks against Taleban and terrorist forces in Afghanistan. Owen Fay reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Throughout most of the first three days of the U-N General Assembly, a broad spectrum of speakers from around the world reiterated key themes -- grief for the terrorist attacks in the United States and cautious support for the military campaign against terrorist and Taleban forces.

But Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque -- speaking through a translator -- made clear his government's strong opposition to the military attacks.

/// PEREZ ACT 1 ///

The war in Afghanistan must be stopped. The government of the United States must acknowledge that it has made a mistake and must halt its ineffective unjustifiable bombing campaign against that people.

/// END ACT ///

Mr, Perez Roque charged that civilians have suffered unjustly in the bombing campaign.

/// PEREZ ACT 2 ///

It would seem that this war has targeted children, the civilian population, hospitals, and facilities of the International Red Cross as enemies. As to its methods, no honest voice would rise in this hall to defend an endless slaughter with the most sophisticated weaponry, of a disposessed, starving, helpless people.

/// END ACT ///

The Cuban foreign minister said the U-S-led military campaign could not be justified under international law. And he said those responsible for it would, in his words, be judged harshly one day by history. (Signed)

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