Castro Wins Libyan Rights Award

          By The Associated Press

          CAIRO, Egypt (AP) -- Libya has named Cuban President Fidel Castro
          the winner of its 1998 human rights prize, a news agency reported
          Sunday.

          The award, named in honor of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, was to
          be given in appreciation of Castro's ``history of struggle,'' Egypt's Middle
          East News Agency said.

          Previous winners of the award include South African President Nelson
          Mandela and Louis Farrakhan, the controversial leader of the Nation of
          Islam.

          The prize is normally awarded during celebrations beginning Sept. 1 and
          lasting several days, marking the anniversary of the coup that brought
          Gadhafi to power in 1969.

          There was no word on whether Castro would attend the ceremonies.

          The award -- which carries a cash prize of $250,000 -- has been given
          annually since 1989.

          Libya and Cuba have good relations.