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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
December 23, 1998

On December 23, 1998, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York advised the Cuban Mission to the United Nations that three of its diplomatic personnel must depart the United States for activities incompatible with their status as members of a UN mission. In accord with normal practice, we are requiring these officials to make arrangements expeditiously to depart.

This action was taken as a result of evidence developed during an exhaustive investigation by the FBI. The FBI investigation also implicated two other members of the Cuban UN Mission who have already departed the country.

The United States takes its host country responsibilities for the United Nations seriously. We cannot accept violations of US laws and endangerment of our national security interests. Under the UN Headquarters Agreement the U.S. has the right to require the departure of individuals who have engaged in activities constituting an abuse of the privilege of residence in the United States.

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