Shaking hands with Clinton FOLLOWING the lunch given by the UN secretary-general, after the opening session of the Millennium Summit had ended, we were told to walk to the place where the official photo would be taken. We walked toward that spot, almost one by one, along a narrow path among the many tables. Barely four meters ahead, I saw Clinton greeting various heads of state passing by there. Out of courtesy, the president shook the hand of each one of them. I couldn't run off to avoid walking through there, nor could he run off. That would have been shameful cowardice on both our parts. I moved forward along with everyone else. In about two minutes I arrived at the spot where I had to pass in front of him. Like the rest, I stopped for a few seconds, and in a totally dignified and courteous manner I greeted him; he did the same, and I moved on. It would have been extravagant and rude to do anything else. The whole thing took less than 20 seconds. This minor incident became known quickly. Many press agencies reported the facts in a kind tone. Scores of rumors went flying. Poorly informed press spokespersons gave out various versions. The Miami mafia got hysterical. According to them, the president had committed a great crime. That's the extreme to which their fundamentalism goes. As for me, I am satisfied with my respectful and civilized behavior toward the president of the country which hosted the Summit. Fidel Castro � Copyright. 1996-2000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GRANMA INTERNATIONAL/ ONLINE EDITION
