U.S. denies allegations that it is trying to create crisis in relations

By TRACEY EATON / The Dallas Morning News

HAVANA – The expulsion of 14 Cuban diplomats shows that the United States is taking an openly "provocative and interventionist" stance against Cuba, the
socialist government said Wednesday.

"This arbitrary decision is more evidence" that the Bush administration has "a plan aimed at sabotaging" the 1994 migration accords between the two countries and
"creating a crisis" in U.S.-Cuban relations, officials said in a prepared statement.

For weeks now, Cuban officials have said they are convinced that the United States is trying to trigger another exodus of Cuban rafters fleeing in economic
desperation, giving America a pretext to invade or launch a full-blown air and naval blockade.

American officials scoff at those accusations, although some in the State Department privately say there are conservative forces in the Bush administration that hope
to destabilize the Cuban government.

President Bush has made it clear since taking office that he hopes to help trigger a rapid and peaceful transition to democracy. That has long been a U.S. priority.
The word "rapid" has taken on increased urgency as the campaign for the 2004 presidential election approaches.

Bush administration officials said weeks ago that they would likely impose punitive measures before May 20, the 101st anniversary of Cuba's independence, in
retaliation for Fidel Castro's widely condemned crackdown on peaceful dissidents in March.

U.S. officials say the Cuban diplomats were expelled Tuesday for engaging in "inappropriate activities," diplomatic language for espionage.

The Cuban government contends that Washington officials kicked out the diplomats because of "growing desperation" by anti-Castro foes.

In any case, the statement said, "Cuba won't be intimidated by this or any other provocation" and "will take the necessary time" before responding with any kind of
action.

Phil Peters, a Cuba expert at the Lexington Institute, a research group in Washington, D.C., said Mr. Bush needs to satisfy Cuban-Americans who want tough action
but he is running out of choices.

At least, Mr. Peters said, the expulsions are "politically dramatic ... and they will earn the president political credit where he needs it in the Cuban-American
community."