France condemns Castro Roma 'holocaust' remark
France says comments by former Cuban leader Fidel Castro about its
treatment of Roma migrants are unacceptable and show his ignorance of
history.
Mr Castro accused Paris of carrying out a "racial holocaust" over its
expulsion of members of the Roma community.
France has come under increasing international criticism after about
1,000 Roma were deported recently.
The European Parliament has urged the government to halt the
deportations - a call rejected by Paris.
"The use of 'holocaust' by Mr Castro demonstrates his ignorance of
history and disdain towards its victims," said French foreign ministry
spokesman Bernard Valero. "Such words are unacceptable."
In a clear reference to Cuba's treatment of dissidents, Mr Valero added:
"That Fidel Castro shows an interest in human rights is truly
revolutionary."
French irritation
Mr Castro, 84, made his controversial remark at an event in Havana to
promote the second volume of his autobiography.
"The last thing one would expect is the news of the expulsion of French
gypsies, who are victims of the cruelty of the extreme right wing in
France," he said.
Migrants were, he said, "victims of another kind of racial holocaust".
Fidel Castro's words have clearly angered the French government, the
BBC's David Chazan reports from Paris.
It has been irritated by international condemnation of its treatment of
the Roma and comparisons with the round-ups of Jews under the Nazi
occupation.
It says it is scrupulously observing French laws and European regulations.
Since Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, many Roma have come to
France.
But the government has blamed them for a rise in crime and violence and
says they cannot stay in France without jobs.
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