Regional group lifts 47-yr-old Cuba ban

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras: The Organization of American States (OAS) lifted its 47-year suspension of Cuba on Wednesday in a move backed by Washington, but Cuban state-run TV said Havana had no interest in rejoining the group.

"Cuba has not asked for nor does it wish to return to the OAS, which is steeped in a submissive and shady history," said anchorman Randy Alonso.

There was no immediate reaction from officials of Cuba's government. But former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in April that Cuba had no desire to rejoin the OAS, which he has criticized as an instrument of US policy, and did not want to "hear the vile name of that institution".