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Fidel Castro says Obama different from Bush

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-10 14:11

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro is seen in Havana in this file photo taken January 21, 2009 and released January 23, 2009. [Agencies]

HAVANA -- Cuban former leader Fidel Castro said US President Barack Obama does not resemble his "odious" predecessor George W. Bush, local press said on Thursday.

Castro said in his column "Reflections" that Obama has an agile mind. Last week Castro said that Bush was a "liar, cynic," and "war-loving and odious."

Castro said that previous declarations made by Obama show "the complexity of the tasks that Obama has on his shoulders."

Castro also said despite the difference between Obama and Bush, the contradictions in US foreign policy are evident.

The United States and Cuba has been hostile to each other since the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Shortly after the great political movement, Washington imposed in February 1962 sanctions against the Island country that has been facing commercial, economic and financial embargo since then.

Related readings:  Fidel Castro in very good shape: Chilean president  Fidel Castro attacks Obama economic plans  Text of Fidel Castro's online essay

Since Obama took office, US started to ease restrictions on Cuba, but analysts say their reconciliation may take time.

The US Senate last month passed a bill that will ease restrictions against travel and medicine on Cuba, which was said to be a signal that Washington is changing its long-standing policy of shunning Havana.