Cuba denies keeping WMDs

Cuban Ambassador Ramon Alonso Medina denied yesterday accusations by the United States that they are keeping weapons of mass destruction.

Short of challenging the US, Medina said Cuba will act "accordingly."

"We will act accordingly. Cuba is prepared not because we like it, considering we do not have much resources," Medina said in a dialogue with reporters yesterday, adding they have survived the worst economic sanctions imposed against them by the US and its allies for more than 40 years.

The Cuban envoy claimed their technology is limited to developing "bio-technology and develop different vaccines to fight cancer."

"We have invested millions not only to protect the people from diseases but guarantee free education and health system of high standard," he said.

Medina made the statement after the US recently added Cuba to its watchlist with Syria as among those countries allegedly keeping chemical and biological weapons in its arsenal.

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld reportedly said there is no urgency in dealing with Cuba on the issue of weapons of mass destruction.

Medina stressed Cuba’s main position is to negotiate with the US, which has long opposed and turned down a United Nations (UN) resolution lifting the blockade against the country.