THE US: President Bush has told Latin Americans they have a "God-given right" to freedom, in a sharp attack on Cuba's Fidel Castro and other rivals in a region where anti-US sentiment is rising.
Mr Bush patched up his friendship with Mexican President Vicente Fox on Monday after a year of disputes over the Iraq war, but addressing the opening session of a conference of American leaders later, he had only stern words for other Latin American leaders who have fallen foul of Washington.
Speaking at a 34-nation summit of leaders across the Americas, Mr Bush singled out President Castro for his toughest condemnation. "Through our democratic example, we must continue to stand with the brave people of Cuba, who for nearly half a century have endured the tyrannies and repression," he said at the summit's inaugural ceremony.
"Dictatorship has no place in the Americas. We must all work for a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba."
The leftist leaders of Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela have established friendly ties with Mr Castro, who has held power for 45 years despite US efforts to oust and isolate him.
Washington's support for sometimes brutal governments in Latin America during the Cold War left many distrustful of US leadership, and anti-American sentiment surged last year with the war against Iraq.
Mr Bush hopes to win back some friends and isolate his rivals at this summit in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey.
He said firm support for democracy "gives hope and strength to those struggling to preserve their God-given rights", and referred specifically to Venezuela and Haiti, which have both clashed with the US.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has resisted opposition demands for a referendum on his rule, and Haiti's President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's government has been rocked by violent protests and allegations of government repression.
Mr Bush largely ignored Latin America over the last two years but he is now seeking support from Hispanic voters for his re-election bid this year.
- (Reuters)