Military

DATE=5/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NY/ CUBA PROTESTS (L-only)

NUMBER=2-303333

BYLINE=BARBARA SCHOETZAU

DATELINE=NEW YORK

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In New York today (Saturday), pro and anti- Fidel Castro activists demonstrated across from the Cuban Mission to the United Nations. At the same time, as correspondent Barbara Schoetzau reports, a coalition of Cuban-American artists and writers condemned Cuba's latest crackdown on dissidents.

TEXT: The artists' coalition says the recent wave of repression against independent journalists, human rights activists in Cuba should convince even Mr. Castro's staunchest supporters of the oppressive nature of his government. In March, the Castro government sentenced 75 dissidents to lengthy prison terms and executed three men who allegedly attempted to hijack a ferry to sail to the United States.

The artists' coalition issued a statement asking governments to demand freedom for the imprisoned dissidents and to take steps to end the Castro government. Cuban-American actress Carmen Pelaez read the statement.

/// PELAEZ ACT ///

We also ask that the governments, institutions, and people throughout the world distance themselves from this regime, denounce it as a pariah state, and work actively for its removal from power.

/// END ACT ///

Around the corner from the news briefing, pro-Castro groups rallied in support of the Cuban government. Andree Kahlmorgan says she marches because she supports the Cuban Revolution

/// KAHLMORGAN ACT ///

I'm here because I think that there has been a slander campaign against Cuba, a disinformation campaign. Cuba is on the list of terrorist countries when, in fact, there has not been a single person harmed in this country. There has never been an attack by Cuba on the United States.

/// END ACT ///

A block away, the Cuban Mission to the United Nations, in midtown Manhattan, blared music onto the streets to drown out an anti-Castro protest. Alma Herrera Rohdes says it happens whenever the anti-Castro groups protest.

/// ROHDES ACT ///

I'm here because I believe that Cuba deserves freedom and justice and democracy and I believe it is time to end a 44-year dictatorship. It is time for the Cuban people to run through the streets of Cuba like the Iraqis did in jubilation, celebrating their freedom.

/// END ACT ///

About 150 people marched in each rally.

An anti-Castro rally was also scheduled outside of the office that represents Cuban interests in Washington. Cuba and the United States do not have normal diplomatic relations nor do they exchange ambassadors. (Signed)

NEB/NYC/BJS/MEM/PT