The Associated Press
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1999; 5:23 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON –– Sen. Jesse Helms expressed dismay on Tuesday over reports that an alleged Cuban "spymaster," who he said was known for his support for "terrorism and espionage," is being approved by the State Department to be posted at Cuba's diplomatic mission here.

Helms, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the American people "will be outraged" if and when they learn of the appointment of Fernando Garcia Bielsa, who was once assigned to the Cuban mission to the United Nations.

A U.S. official, asking not to be identified, confirmed that Garcia has been approved for the assignment but added that no visa has been issued.

The official said the FBI initially registered objections to the appointment but later withdrew them. He declined to specify the nature of the objections.

Helms, R-N.C., outlined his complaints in a letter to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. He asked Albright whether the Justice Department or the FBI had ever expressed concerns about Garcia.

The State Department had no immediate comment on the letter. The spokesman at Cuba's diplomatic office was not available for comment.