Bush denies causing Castro's summit exit

Bush and Fox: We didn't push Fidel out

By Rob Watson BBC Washington correspondent

The United States and Mexico have denied forcing the Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, to make an early departure from the UN anti-poverty conference in Monterrey.

At a joint news conference, President George W Bush and his Mexican counterpart, Vicente Fox, said they did not put any pressure on the Cuban leader.

Fidel Castro can do what he wants - what I'm uncomfortable about is the way he treats his people

George Bush

The conference, which ended on Friday, committed richer nations to giving more aid to poorer countries in return for better governance.

But the outcome of the summit is in danger of being overshadowed by the Castro question - did he go or was he pushed?

Quick visit

The Cuban leader made a brief appearance at the summit on Thursday, staying just long enough to attack world capitalism before abruptly leaving.

Later, Cuban officials said he had been asked to go by Mexico under pressure from the US - a charge a decidedly testy-looking President Fox has now denied.

Castro stayed long enough for a quick attack on world capitalism

"Mr Fidel Castro visited Mexico. He was here, he participated in the conference, and he returned to Cuba - nothing more," said Mr Fox.

President Bush, who is said to have been uncomfortable at the idea of having to share a room with the Cuban leader, also denied any hand in his departure.

"I know of no pressure placed on anybody," he said. "Fidel Castro can do what he wants to do. What I'm uncomfortable about is the way he treats his people. There's only one country that's not a democracy in our hemisphere and that's Cuba."

The two presidents were clearly happier talking about US/Mexican relations, announcing agreements on tightening border security and on measures to stem the flow of migrants to America by improving economic opportunities in Mexico.

But the two leaders have still not reached agreement over what to do about the millions of Mexicans already living in the US illegally.