CNN vs. Fidel

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Clinton Administration is counting on the press to do what the U.S. government has been unable to do for decades: bring down Fidel Castro. As part of its continuing effort to flood Cuba with information, and spur democratic reforms in the process, the Administration is set to allow the U.S. press to set up news bureaus in the country for the first time since the 1960s. CNN will be the first to begin reporting on a full-time basis from Cuba. So far it is the only one of 10 applicants that Castro's government has approved. A Cuban spokesman said the regime will continue to analyze the other applications and will make decisions "when the Cuban government considers it opportune." The news organizations cleared a major U.S. hurdle last week when Sen. Jesse Helms, chairman of the Senate Foreign relations committee and a bitter foe of the Castro regime, signed off on the idea in a letter to President Clinton. According to the letter, Helms believes that a CNN bureau in Cuba will hasten Fidel Castro's demise.