May 22, 1998
By Robert Evans
HAVANA, May 21 (Reuters) - The Cuban government sent a message of solidarity to the Palestinians on Thursday, saying they were engaged in a ``just struggle'' against Israel.
A Cuban foreign ministry statement coinciding with Israel's 50th anniversary reiterated the communist government's call for the return of occupied territories and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Cuban President Fidel Castro has long been a supporter of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
``On the 50th anniversary of the partition of Palestine, Cuba reiterates its solidarity with the just struggle of that people for the recovery of their lands and the construction of a state in which they can exercise their indisputable rights,'' the statement said.
Cuba and Israel broke diplomatic relations in the early 1970s.
10:47 05-21-98
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