Gore Defends Anti-Castro Policy

The United States will continue to discourage other countries’ business dealings with Cuba, even if that strains U.S. relations with European allies, Vice President Al Gore said Saturday.

“Many of our citizens have experienced Castro’s repression and have urged us to do more,” said Gore. “If our efforts result in tension between us and our allies we’ll work hard to manage and eliminate that tension, but we feel strongly that the time has come to pressure Cuba.”

Gore spoke to Spanish business leaders and students during a visit to meet the new conservative government of Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar.

Gore acknowledged that Spain - one of the largest investors in Cuba - opposes an American law to restrict commerce with the Communist island.