Bush Asks More U.S. Pressure to Change Cuba

WASHINGTON — President Bush today accused Fidel Castro of increasing totalitarianism in Cuba and called on Congress to join in increasing U.S. pressure on the island nation for change.

Bush, in remarks to congressional leaders invited to meet with him at the White House, noted the increasing isolation of Cuba after the elections in Nicaragua and the U.S. invasion of Panama that ousted Manuel A. Noriega.

“I’m terribly disappointed that Castro seems to be firming up his totalitarian position instead of moving toward free and fair elections that I think all of us here would like to see,” Bush said.

“I’d like to see him shift from that highly militarized island and let democracy have a chance,” Bush said at the start of the meeting, before a small group of reporters and photographers were ushered from the room.

Bush was trying to prod Congress into acting swiftly on his request for $500 million in immediate aid for Panama and $300 million in assistance for Nicaragua.

“I think if we are helpful to Nicaragua and Panama it will simply increase the pressure in that marvelous island of Cuba for change,” Bush said.

The House and Senate have been slow to respond to the Administration requests for Panama since the Dec. 20 invasion that installed Guillermo Endara as president.

Last month, the Sandinistas were defeated in democratic elections in Nicaragua, prompting Bush to lift economic sanctions and seek aid for the new government of Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, who takes office next month.

Castro had friendly relations with both Noriega and the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. Bush now hopes to increase pressure on Cuba at a time when financial support from the Soviet Union seems to be dwindling.