Fidel Castro says he distrusts U.S. politics

HAVANA, Cuba - Former President Fidel Castro has ended his silence over the Dec. 17 declaration that Cuba and the United States would move to restore full diplomatic relations, writing that though he does not trust Washington's politics, differences between the nations should be resolved through cooperation.

Castro made the comments in a statement sent to a student federation and read Monday at the University of Havana.

Castro wrote: "I don't trust the politics of the United States, nor have I exchanged a word with them, but this does not mean I reject a pacific solution to the conflicts."

He said he will always defend cooperation and friendship among the world's peoples, including Cuba's foes.

"Any peaceful or negotiated solution to the problems between the United States and the peoples or any people of Latin America that doesn't imply force or the use of force should be treated in accordance with international norms and principles," the message from Castro adds. "We will always defend cooperation and friendship with all the peoples of the world, among them our political adversaries."

They are the first comments the 88-year-old has made on the negotiations launched by his brother, Raul Castro.