Reuters. 9 January 2003. Cuba blasts critics of Venezuelan oil deal. HAVANA -- Cuba blasted critics of a controversial oil agreement with Venezuela on Thursday, insisting it was no give-away, as the first crude arrived from the South American country since a general strike began there on Dec. 2.
The Foreign Ministry characterized as a "gross fascist lie," charges by those trying to oust Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez that the World's No. 5 oil exporter sells Cuba cheap crude to prop-up the communist-run Caribbean island. "Those with evil intentions who are putting forward the slander about Chavez giving oil to Cuba, not only fail to mention the millions of dollars paid by Cuba ... but also in a fantastic manner ignore that there is no gift at all," the Foreign Ministry said. Cuba, which depends on Venezuela for more than half of its oil imports, received some relief this week from a mounting energy crisis caused by the strike and rising oil prices, when two tankers carrying Venezuelan crude arrived. Cuba imports approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day for transportation, agriculture and industry, the government has reported, and produces the equivalent of 75,000 to 80,000 bpd in oil and gas, mainly used to generate electricity. Chavez's opponents called demonstrations for Thursday that include the demand he stop giving away oil to Cuba. Chavez and Castro signed an agreement in 2000 under which Venezuela exports up to 53,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba, with up to 25 percent of the cost payable over 15 years after a two-year grace period. The Foreign Ministry said it was on time with payments that have amounted to some $550 million since the deal was signed, adding that Cuba had sustained $200 million in damages due to disruptions in supplies caused by the political turmoil in the South American country. A botched coup against Chavez last April led to a five-month disruption of supplies, forcing Cuba to close a refinery and purchase oil and derivatives on less favorable terms, the Foreign Ministry said, adding a similar situation had developed since Dec. 2. ------------------------------------------- Macdonald Stainsby http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/leninist-international -- In the contradiction lies the hope. --Bertholt Brecht _______________________________________________ Leninist-International mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change your options or unsubscribe go to: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/leninist-international
