Cuba explains Czech arrests


Pilip is one of two Czech nationals facing trial in Cuba on charges of being anti-Castro agents

HAVANA, Cuba -- The Czech Embassy in Havana has received an official explanation for the detention of two Czech citizens in Cuba.

Former Czech finance minister Ivan Pilip and Jan Bubenik, an ex-student leader, were detained on January 12 after meeting pro-democracy Cuban dissidents.

Cuban authorities charged them with acting against the island nation's security and inciting a rebellion. If convicted, they could face sentences of up to 20 years.

According to Pilip's wife, Lucie, who visited her husband in prison, the two are in good spirits and good physical condition, and are awaiting trial, expected within 60 days.

Czech foreign ministry officials said they had received an official note identical to a letter published on the official Web site of the Cuban Foreign ministry, accusing the two of gathering information and providing instructions to anti-Communist dissidents.

"We welcome the move as a sign that official communication between both countries has been re-established," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ales Pospisil told Czech radio.

"We understand the document expresses the official Cuban position in the case."

The letter also suggests that tensions would lessen if Prague apologises for the incident, something Czech leaders have refused to do.

President Vaclav Havel and Prime Minister Milos Zeman have said the country has any reason to do so.

Zeman said: "There have not been any credible charges nor any substantial evidence brought against our two citizens, so I see no reason why we should apologise in this matter."

Pospisil said that Czechs would respond to the document some time next week after thoroughly examining its content.

The detention has created the most serious impasse between the former Socialist allies in recent years.

Havana was enraged in April last year when the Czech Republic and Poland -- another former Soviet bloc nation -- introduced a motion before the United Nations' human rights body to censure the Caribbean island for its record on human rights. The motion later was approved.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.