A US Democrat Congressman Tuesday conceded that Venezuelan President
Hugo Chávez is "playing an important role" in Cuban economy, but
stressed that this should not be a reason for concern or alarm, AP reported.
"The Government of China, the European governments and the Canadian
Government have also played an important role," James McGovern said. "As
a result, the Cuban economy has improved a little, there is more opening
in Cuba now."
McGovern is one of the Democrat lawmakers who last year facilitated
Chávez-subsidized deliveries of heating oil to the least favored
household in his constituency of Massachusetts.
Based on calculations of the US Department of State, Chávez has
delivered President Fidel Castro some USD 2 billion a year to help
support the communist regime in the island.
However, McGovern said "believing that Cuba's future depends on Chávez
is inaccurate."
"Chávez is certainly helping the Cuban Government, the Cuban economy,
but China, Malaysia and other countries are doing the same," he added.
According to McGovern, the Cuban regime believes Chávez is "one of its
best allies" and his help "is always welcome."
He stressed that Venezuelan aid to Cuba is not for free, as Havana has
sent doctors and other professionals to Venezuela.
"In exchange, it (Cuba) is receiving crude oil," the lawmaker told
reporters after taking part in a forum on the future of Cuba at the
Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington-based private institution.
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/01/23/en_pol_art_23A827731.shtml
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