October 29, 1997

Minister: possible Aznar-Castro talks at Ibero-American summit

Madrid, Oct 28 (EFE).- Spanish Foreign minister Abel Matutes said Tuesday that he will probably meet with his Cuban colleague Roberto Robaina before the Ibero-American Summit, and did not rule out possible talks between Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and Cuban President Fidel Castro during the summit.

"A preliminary meeting of foreign ministers is scheduled for Friday, November 7," said Matutes, adding that "following that meeting, it is very probable that Mr. Robaina and I will meet."

At a press conference following a meeting with Swiss Foreign minister Flavio Cotti, Matutes was asked the possibilities of Castro and Aznar meeting at Venezuela's Margarita Island during the Seventh Ibero-American Summit.

Matutes added that a meeting between Aznar and Castro is not scheduled, but "they will probably meet at different functions, and might strike up a conversation at any time." EFE