Former Uruguayan President, Jose Mujica Stresses Security in Cuba

In Cuba, people can walk any time anywhere without danger, and there is no country in Latin America that can offer that, former Uruguayan President, Jose Mujica, said today in an interview with La Republica newspaper. The senator of the ruling coalition Frente Amplio told the newspaper his experiences on his latest trip to the island, where he met with the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and participated in an international event dedicated to national hero, Jose Marti.

"I noticed a lot of movement, a strong presence of tourism," said the legislator, and mentioned the four daily flights to Cuba of Copa Airlines and the opening of other flights that "will tone up the Cuban economy and work."

He said the Cubans have a long-term project in Mariel, built with the help of Brazil, a deep water port, where they planned a free industrial zone.

"They are building a railroad track. Nothing will be immediate, but it opens an interesting perspective for economy," he stressed.

Mujica said Havana is being rebuilt to try to "keep the nature," and noted that weather is very humid, and some areas are demolished, "but to the extent it goes rebuilding, Havana will be a beautiful city."

He also praised security in the Caribbean nation, where "people can walk any time anywhere without danger, and there is no country in Latin America that can offer that," he said.

The former president said Cuba has "any agricultural weakness," but "now have technical collaboration to improve cattle raising."

Mujica stressed Cuban authorities' willingness to bring about changes that "encourage private, small, family-owned business and the State pursue to great things."