Cuba denounces U.S. diplomats

• The Foreign Ministry in Cuba is accusing the U.S. of attempting to undermine the government
• The U.S. has long maintained an Interests Section instead of an embassy that provides services
• It's unclear why Cuba is criticizing the U.S. now

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba is denouncing the U.S. diplomatic mission on the island for what it calls subversive activities designed to undermine the government of Raul Castro.

The Foreign Ministry says the Americans illegally give classes inside the U.S. Interests Section, and provide Internet service without permission. It says participants are trained to work against Cuba's interests.

The statement was carried in Cuban state-media on Friday.

The U.S. maintains the Interests Section instead of an embassy and it has long provided such services. It is not clear why Cuba is choosing now to criticize the practice.

The Foreign Ministry vows to defend Cuba's sovereignty "by any legal means" at its disposal, but the statement gives no details. Cuba and the United States have been at odds for half a century.