CUBA . . . HAVANA'S EMPTY HANDS

Today's talks between Cuban and U.S. officials wrapped up in Havana on a less-than-decorous note, with Cubans alleging that meddling by Cuban-Americans could start the refugee exodus again. Despite the squabbling today, negotiators -- who apparently had broken off talks -- resumed this evening. TIME correspondent Cathy Booth, in Havana, reports that chief Cuban negotiator Ricardo Alarcon alleged "the Cuban Mafia in Miami" had jeopardized implementation of Havana's immigration pact with the U.S. by filing suit yesterday to block 1,000 Cuban refugees detained at the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay from returning home. What the Cubans omitted: Most refugees who were to be returned to Cuba -- as Havana wanted -- really want to come to the U.S. Today, U.S. officials reversed themselves, vowing to send no one home without permission.