Cuba Belittles U.S. Move to Ease Sanctions

          By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

          HAVANA -- Cuba's Economy Minister on Friday dismissed a United States move to ease the
          economic embargo on his country as "crumbs."

          His comments were the first official Cuban reaction to President Clinton's decision of Monday,
          which eases a few elements of the United States' economic sanctions against Cuba while still
          maintaining the bulk of the blockade.

          "With this type of crumbs, one does not develop any country, nor resolve any problem in the world,"
          José Luis Rodríguez said.

          Among the changes, United States companies will be permitted to sell food and farm supplies to
          nongovernmental organizations in Cuba.

          Rodríguez implied that Cuba may not permit some of the activities announced by Clinton.

          "I don't believe it is in line with the country's principles of relations with the United States to accept
          that type of measure without having it in any way move the policy of the blockade and siege of the
          country," he said.

          The head of the Roman Catholic aid agency Caritas in Cuba, Raul Suaréz, called the United States
          measures "a positive step" for aid groups because they help communications between Cubans
          abroad and on the island.

          But he said Caritas could not afford to buy food abroad nor does it have an import license to
          purchase United States food.