Cuba Denounces Planned Provocations Against Papal Visit

HAVANA TIMES, March 22 — The Granma newspaper reported on Wednesday of the existence of plans by opposition groups on the island to carry out provocative acts aimed at politicizing the visit to Cuba of Pope Benedict XVI on March 26-28.

According to the news item, “representatives of Miami-based counter-revolutionary organizations have sent precise indications, emails and money to counter-revolutionaries in Cuba to orchestrate provocative and disrespectful acts.”

Opposition groups have staged several protests over the last several days, including the occupation of church buildings and the holding of marches. Some have also insisted on being received by the Pope, though church sources indicate that these requests have been rejected.