41.   Cuban officials themselves acknowledge the importance of the coveted U.S. market.

42.   Cruz Leon was clearly something less than the hardened military veteran that Cuban officials suggested and that many news accounts have described.

43.   Cuba will not withdraw the diplomat linked to an espionage investigation, despite an order from the United States that he leave the country, Cuban officials said.

44.   Cuban officials allowed U.S. law enforcement officials to enter Cuba to interrogate the suspects.

45.   Cuban officials denied the accusations.

46.   Cuban officials dismissed them as the creation of a small group backed by Washington and Miami.

47.   Cuban officials have denied the report, and Vatican and Cuban church officials declined comment.

48.   Cuban officials have not said whether they would welcome American reporters.

49.   Cuban officials have repeatedly accused the foundation and its late former chairman, Jorge Mas Canosa, of orchestrating the attacks, a charge it vigorously denies.

50.   Cuban officials said a number of agreements on issues such as health care in Russia and petroleum production in Cuba would be signed during the visit.