Waving national flags and chanting slogans, the demonstrators marched to the US Interests Section in the capital. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Castro walked in the first line of the protesters that stretched several kilometers. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

The rally, which the press said was the largest one in Cuba's history, was an official response to the plan announced by US President George W. Bush last week. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

About 1.2 million Cubans, led by their leader Fidel Castro, took to the streets in Havana on Friday to protest against tougher sanctions imposed by the United States.

Waving national flags and chanting slogans, the demonstrators marched to the US Interests Section in the capital. Castro walked in the first line of the protesters that stretched several kilometers.

The rally, which the press said was the largest one in Cuba's history, was an official response to the plan announced by US President George W. Bush last week.

Under the new measures, US$59 million will be allocated to fund anti-Cuba activities for a period of two years; cash remittances from Cuban Americans will be halved and a limit will also be imposed on family visits between the United States and Cuba.

Before the demonstration, Castro delivered a 20-minute speech. He said the march was not a hostile expression against the US people but an indignant protest and denunciation against Washington's "brutal and cruel measures."

The United States intends to intimidate Cuba and destroy its economic, political and social systems, Castro said.

Official figures say that the economic, financial and trade embargo imposed by Washington has cost Cuba more than US$72 billion over the years.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2004)