Former US president Mr Jimmy Carter has pressed Cuban officials for assurances over a US claim that Cuba is producing biological arms.
Last week, the US claimed that Cuban biological research and development for medicinal purposes was being provided as dual-use biotechnology to "other rogue states".
Cuba denies the claim which it sees as an attack on its development of vaccines and medicines that are more affordable for developing countries. It has demanded the US government offers proof.
Moments after his arrival yesterday on a five-day visit, Cuban President Fidel Castro offered Mr Carter the opportunity to personally inspect Cuban scientific facilities with experts of his own choosing.
Cuba has transferred biotechnology to countries including Algeria, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Mexico and Malaysia, the officials told Mr Carter.
The former US president asked about any transfers to Iraq and Libya, which Cuban officials said have not taken place. They have confirmed an initiative involving Iran, though say it is not yet up and running.
Cuba’s Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), is known internationally for its production of vaccines, including a widely marketed one against hepatitis B, and is working on an AIDS vaccine now in the first of four development phases.
Many CIGB staff are furious at the US charge of links to bioterror.
"That is completely anathema to what the employees here want," said Doctor Ricardo Bringas, an expert in bioinformatics at the CIGB. "The accusation is vague. Everyone here knows it is a lie. And Carter and his delegation are going to have access to whatever they want."
Dr Bringas, a Ph.D who earns the equivalent of $22 dollars a month, acknowledged "any researcher here could be making $70,000 dollars a year in the United States. So what keeps me here? Wanting to work for my country and its advancement." AFP