Washington, Nov 27: Dropping a bomb shell, the feisty Cuban President Fidel Castro says his army has "secret" military cooperation with arch-rival, the United States since 1994, a fact unknown to the world.
"We've had permanent contact with the US military, by secret agreement, since 1994," the 77-year-old Cuban leader has told actor and director Sean Penn.
"I'll tell you something, and I've never said it publicly before. It had been leaked, at some point, by someone in the US State Department, but was quickly hushed up because of
concern about the Florida electorate, though now, as I tell you this, the Pentagon will think me indiscreet," Castro was reported to be saying.
The secret military links were based on the premise that the two sides would discuss issues only related to Guantanamo, where Cuban illegal immigrants were detained.
The historic first contact was made on February 17, 1993, following a request by the US to discuss issues related to buoy locators for ship navigations into the Guantanamo bay.
"Between March 4 and July 1, the Rafters Crisis took place. A military-to-military hot line was established, and on May 9, 1995, we agreed to monthly meetings with primaries from both governments. To this day, there have been 157 meetings, and there is a taped record of every meeting.
"The meetings are conducted on the third Friday of every month. We alternate locations between the American base at Guantanamo and in Cuban-held territory. We conduct joint
emergency-response exercises," Castro said.
For example, the Cuban forces would set a fire, and American helicopters bring water from the bay, in concert with Cuban helicopters, he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, November 27, 2008, 00:00