10/10/2000 17:46 - (SA)


Cuba denies medics-for-oil trade



Havana - The Cuban government has denied reports that it will offer medical
assistance in exchange for imports of oil from Venezuela.

"Cuba has never offered medical services in payment for crude oil or any
other product to Venezuela or any other country," said an official statement
issued here late on Monday.

The statement followed a comment on Friday by Venezuelan President Hugo
Chavez, who said Cuba had arranged to pay its oil debts by providing medical
services for Venezuelan people.

The Cuban government said it had sent more than 400 physicians and health
personnel to Venezuela in December to help thousands of flood victims.

About 100 Cuban professionals are still in Venezuela at present, the
statement said, but "Cuba does not trade or obtain products by offering the
services of its dedicated doctors and health workers".

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jose Vicente Rangel on Saturday announced a
26-30 October visit to Venezuela by Cuban President Fidel Castro, who is to
sign a deal enabling Cuba to purchase up to 80 000 barrels of subsidised oil
a day through long-term credits from Venezuela. - Sapa-AFP

See :
http://www.news24.co.za/News24/World/Americas/0,1113,2-10-33_924191,00.html