The World - News from Aug. 27, 1987

Cuban Brig. Gen. Rafael del Pino Diaz, who defected to the United States three months ago, says President Fidel Castro has squandered much of Cuba’s wealth on worthless projects while failing to meet his people’s basic needs. Del Pino, 48, appearing before reporters for the first time since his defection May 28, said Castro is “sinking the country” with expensive projects for the military and other groups. Del Pino, who spoke at the State Department under heavy security, said his resentment against Castro was such that he would have killed him if he had been given the opportunity. He said that there is some opposition to Castro among the military but that it is not organized.