Fidel: Obama "misinterpreted" Raul

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-23-2009 13:39

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro says US President Barack Obama has "misinterpreted" his brother Raul's remarks regarding the US.

The speculation began when the Cuban president said leaders would be willing to sit down with their US counterparts and discuss "everything."

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro is seen in  Havana in this picture taken January 21, 2009  and released January 23, 2009. REUTERS/Argentine Presidency/Handout

Obama responded by saying Washington seeks a new beginning with Cuba. He suggested Cuba release some political prisoners and reduce taxes on remittances from the US.

Fidel took issue with Obama in an essay posted on a government website. He implies too much was being made of Raul's comments about discussing "everything" with US authorities.

Fidel says Obama had no right to dare suggest that Cuba make even small concessions. He criticized Obama as the latter, though did not create the U.S. embargo against Cuba, "embraced it" like other 10 U.S. presidents."

Fermin Viscaino, street sweeper, said, "Yes, the remittances. If we've been receiving them this way so far, there's no reason to change it. It should continue as it is."

Editor:Zhang Yun