Published Saturday, September 19, 1998, in the Miami Herald

Cuba accuses U.S. diplomat of meddling, sowing dissent

HAVANA -- (AFP) -- The Cuban government warned Friday that an American diplomat stationed in Havana is meddling in Cuba's domestic affairs and encouraging dissent.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Alejandro Gonzalez said the diplomat, a member of the U.S. Interests Section, is engaged in ``activities that fall within the definition of interference in the internal affairs of our country and promotion of counterrevolutionary activities.''

He did not name the diplomat, but an American source in Havana, speaking on condition of anonymity, identified him as Timothy Brown, the section's human rights observer.

Gonzalez said his comment was in response to ``a note from the American government complaining of the alleged harassment of officials of the United States Interests Section'' by Cuban security agents.

The note reportedly said that four U.S. diplomats were harassed Sept. 8 in Havana during a procession and Mass in honor of Our Lady of Charity, Cuba's patron saint.

``On several occasions and even before the incident mentioned in the note . . . we have warned the United States Interests Section about the activities of some of its functionaries,'' the spokesman said. He said the activities of one American ``have absolutely nothing to do with his status as a diplomat.''

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