DATE=05/14/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/CUBA (L)

NUMBER=2-289802

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Former U-S President Jimmy Carter is in Cuba where he is challenging the Bush administration on its accusations that Cuban leader Fidel Castro is developing biological weapons. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports.

TEXT: Former President Jimmy Carter says U-S officials who briefed him before this trip told him they had no evidence that Cuba is exporting weapons technology.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says the issue did not come-up in Mr. Carter's briefing with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice because the trip's focus is more on human rights.

But Mr. Fleischer made it clear the Bush administration does believe Cuban President Fidel Castro is developing biological weapons.

/// FLEISCHER ACT ///

The issue about Cuba engaging in biological warfare research and development is an issue of concern to the United States.

/// END ACT ///

U-S Under Secretary of State John Bolton last week said Cuba has at least a limited biological warfare program and is sharing that technology with countries hostile to the United States, such as Libya and Iran.

Touring Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Monday, President Carter said those in Washington who are concerned about the laboratories should inspect them personally.

Accompanied on the tour by President Castro, Mr. Carter suggested the timing of the controversy over biological weapons was intended to cast a shadow over his private, goodwill visit.

Mr. Fleischer says President George Bush supports the trip and hopes Mr. Carter is able to help bring more democracy to Cuba.

/// SECOND FLEISCHER ACT ///

The president believes that President Carter has been a champion of human rights around the world. And (Former) President Carter will be in Cuba for a number of days, and the president wishes (former) President Carter every bit of success in helping convince President Castro to change his regime, to change his tyrannical system, to bring freedom and to end the repression of the Cuban people.

/// END ACT ///

There are no formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. Mr. Carter is the first U-S president in or out of office to visit the island since Mr. Castro seized power in 1959.

President Bush is expected to make a major speech on U-S /Cuba relations next Monday before traveling to Miami to attend a fundraiser for his brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush. (Signed)

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