Czech Embassy Standoff in Havana Ends but Other Cubans Seek Asylum
A fresh group of Cubans sought political asylum at other foreign embassies in Havana on Tuesday only hours after a weeklong standoff at the Czechoslovak Embassy ended with the surrender of 12 refugees.
Four young Cubans climbed onto the roof of the Italian ambassador’s residence Tuesday and asked for political asylum, an Italian Embassy spokeswoman said.
Earlier, Cuban police seized and dragged away a Cuban who tried to enter the U.S. Interests Section. The section protested to Cuban authorities about the incident.
In another development, a family of four Cubans pushed their way into the consular section of the Spanish Embassy and demanded visas, diplomatic sources said, but they were persuaded to leave and apply for their visas normally. The couple and two children already had valid Cuban passports and authorization to leave the country. Three Cubans are being sheltered at the embassy.
The new incidents came a day after 12 Cuban refugees surrendered unconditionally and left the Czechoslovak Embassy after fighting among themselves and holding five Czechoslovak diplomats hostage for more than five hours.
Five Cubans are occupying the house of a Czechoslovak diplomat but have been refused diplomatic protection.
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