Cuban president attacks Barack Obama
Cuban president attacks Barack Obama
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Monday, 21, Dec 2009 12:30
By Richard James.
Cuban president Raul Castro has accused Barack Obama's administration of attempting to undermine the island's communist regime.
In his annual address, Mr Castro - brother of Fidel - said Washington had sent a government contractor to distribute communication equipment to Cuban dissidents.
The unnamed American was detained two weeks ago.
"The US government has not renounced its goal of destroying the revolution," Mr Castro said.
"The enemy is as active as always. Proof of that is the detention, in the last few days, of an American citizen."
The US state department has yet to formally comment on the detention of the US citizen, with spokesman Ian Kelly saying: "I don't want to comment on any of the details as to what he may or may not have been doing, simply because we don't want to - we don't want to cause any harm, frankly."
The American is reported to work for a Maryland-based development organisation which regularly carries out work for the US government's agency on international development.
It is alleged he was detained by Cuban authorities distributing mobile phones and laptops.
Speaking to parliament on the matter, Mr Castro said: "In the last few weeks we have witnessed the stepping up of the new administration's efforts in this area.
"They are giving new breath to open and undercover subversion against Cuba."
Mr Obama has attempted to improve relation between the US and Cuba since taking office.
Washington has eased trade embargoes on the Caribbean island as well as loosening travel restrictions.