Castro attacks Obama over Gaza
Former Cuban leader accuses new US president of supporting “Israeli genocide”.
Castro highlighted statements made by the Obama administration that reiterated its strong support for Israel, which recently carried out a 22-day assault on Gaza in which more than 1,300 Palestinians were killed.
Obama has repeatedly reiterated his strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks by Palestinian fighters.
Guantanamo claim
Fidel Castro also criticised Obama for suggesting Cuba would have to make concessions before it considers returning the territory of the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
“Maintaining a military base in Cuba against the will of the people violates the most elemental principles of international law,” Castro said.
“Not respecting Cuba’s will is an arrogant act and an abuse of immense power against a little country,” he added.
Cuba indefinitely leased Guantanamo to the US in 1903 after the US occupied the country during the 1898 Spanish-American War.
Castro has claimed that the base at the south-eastern tip of Cuba was taken over illegally.
Obama said during his election campaign he was willing to consider holding talks with nations with poor relations with the US, such as Cuba and Iran.