Cuban exiles launch flotilla to protest against Putin's Latin America tour

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/12/cuban-exiles-flotilla-putin-latin-america

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A group of Cuban exiles on Saturday launched a flotilla from Key West, partly to protest the presence in Latin America of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Organisers said three boats carrying 30 to 40 people left around 1pm Saturday, heading for waters just off of Cuba.

The flotilla was initially planned to commemorate the drowning of Cuban migrants who fled the communist island in 1994. Survivors say Cuban coast guard vessels rammed their boat off the coast of Havana, spraying them with fire hoses.

Organisers added Putin to their objections, noting the Soviet Union provided military aid to Cuba throughout the Cold War and the potential for Moscow to renew its military presence there.

Putin is touring Latin America en route to Brazil for the ceremonial hand-off of World Cup hosting duties. Russia hosts next in 2018.

The State Department said it was aware of the flotilla and that organisers had been urged to comply with all laws or face punishment. It said organisers assured federal authorities they will remain in international waters and not enter Cuban territory during the event.