Cuba’s Castro denies succumbing to U.S. pressure on SnowdenAugust 28, 2013 - 16:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Fidel Castro, the former leader of Cuba, has denied Russian media reports that U.S. fugitive intelligence contractor Edward Snowden stayed in Russia rather than fly to Havana because Cuba succumbed to U.S. pressure to deny him entry, according to RIA Novosti. “I admire the courage and justice of Snowden’s statements with which he, in my opinion, provided a service to the world,” Castro wrote in an article published Wednesday night on Cuban internet portal Cubadebate. “What I do not agree with is that anyone, regardless of his credentials, spoke on behalf of Cuba.” The Russian daily Kommersant reported Monday, August 26 citing sources, that Cuba, under pressure from the U.S., would have denied landing to a Moscow-Havana flight if Snowden were on board. Dismissing the report as a “lie,” Castro went on to say that the U.S. “always tries to pressure the United Nations, other governments and private organizations around the world.” Cuba, he said, having resisted America for 54 years, remains ready to resist “as long as it takes.” Snowden, a former contractor for the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), is wanted by the United States on espionage and other charges after he gave journalists classified documents detailing the NSA’s far-reaching electronic and telephone surveillance programs. Snowden flew to Russia from Hong Kong on June 23. There was speculation he would continue on to Cuba after reports claimed that a seat on a Moscow flight to Havana was reserved in his name, but Snowden never boarded the flight. He was granted temporary asylum in Russia in early August, despite repeated demands from Washington for Moscow to return him to the U.S. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |