US sees no thaw in ties with Cuba after transfer

WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) The United States has no plans for a thaw in US-Cuba relations after President Fidel Castro temporarily handed over power to his brother Raul because of serious illness, the White House said today.

''Raul Castro's attempt to impose himself on the Cuban people is just much the same'' as his brother, said White House spokesman Tony Snow. ''There are no plans to reach out.'' ''We don't know what the condition is of Fidel Castro,'' he said, but added that he did not believe the 79-year-old leader was dead.

The departure of Castro from power in communist Cuba has long been a goal of US policy, but U.S. officials were not getting their hopes up after state television reported that he had stepped down temporarily following intestinal surgery.

''The one thing we want to do is continue to assure the people of Cuba we stand ready to help,'' Snow said.

A US government report by the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba recommended a month ago that the United States act fast to boost a transitional government in Cuba when Castro's rule ends and get advisers on the ground within weeks.

But a senior State Department official, who asked not to be named because he was discussing internal administration decisions, said Castro's illness had not prompted the United States to activate the plan.

''We have not opened it yet,'' he said.

REUTERS VJ BST0112