Cuba Warns Mexico of Damaged Relations

HAVANA TIMES, March 19 — Diplomatic relations between Cuba and Mexico could be strained if the Mexican Senate passes a condemnation of the death of opposition member Orlando Zapata and demands the release of political prisoners on the island, said Cuban Ambassador Manuel Aguilera.

The official noted that for Cuba such a vote would represent meddling in the internal affairs of the country, something Havana considers unacceptable.

Zapata died after on the 85th day of a prolonged hunger strike.  Cuba called him a common criminal instead of a political prisoner.