Chronicle on Cuba - March 2004

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Relatives and human rights activists systematically denounce the serious situation of dissidents in jail. Cuban scientists are currently working with mother cells to regenerate organs in animals. The Cuban Government refutes charges that jailed dissidents have been ill-treated. The wives of 15 Cuban political prisoners jailed in last year's crackdown on dissent hold a public march in Havana's streets. Cuban dissidents appeal to Cuban authorities to allow international inspectors into prisons. The First Cuban Congress on Prison Medical Care takes place in Havana. Cuba opens the doors of two penitentiaries to international journalists.

Economy: Cuba closes the first month of 2004 with an increase in tourist arrivals. The Cuban government has taken more steps to restrict the circulation of the US dollar in the country. A Cuba-Canada joint venture in the energy sector makes important investments in East Havana. A Mexican foreign trade bank closes its representative office in Cuba. Venezuela approves the shipment of additional oil barrels. The total number of buses in Havana shrinks. The devastating effects of the drought affecting East Cuba become more evident.

Exile Community: Surveys show that a significant group of Cuban Americans disapproves of president George Bush’s job. The Cuban government announces an easing of restrictions of entry visa requirements for Cuban exiles. Organizations of Cuban exiles demonstrate in commemoration of last year’s crackdown on dissent. The US Supreme Court rejects a case brought by the Miami supporters of Elián González. World renown Cuban painter José María Mijares dies in Coral Gables.

Foreign Affairs: Cuban doctors continue to provide health service in Haiti. Uruguay's lower house of Congress passes a resolution denouncing Cuba's intelligence services. Vietnam's Communist Party chief, Nong Duc Manh, meets with Fidel Castro. Haitians seek refuge in Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister says Cuba is willing to resume its dialogue with the European Union under certain conditions. Cuban TV channels interrupt their regular programming to announce the Spanish Popular Party's electoral defeat. A new report by Amnesty International reveals the current state of 75 Cuban prisoners of conscience. Over 600 writers request from Fidel Castro the release of Cuban journalists imprisoned in the island. Cuba rejects a UN expert's criticism of abuse in the country. Cuba condemns the assassination of leader Jeque Ahmed Yassin. Cuba protests UNESCO's decision to award jailed independent reporter Raul Rivero. An Argentine-born businessman with companies in Mexico is arrested in Cuba. Cuba accuses Honduras of agreeing to sponsor a US-proposed resolution in Geneva.

Terrorism: Fidel Castro expresses consternation and sadness at the terrorist bombing attack in Madrid. Cuban-born terrorists arrested in Panama are charged with conspiracy, possessing explosives and endangering the public's safety. A US official repeats previous allegations about Cuba's alleged weapons of mass destruction program. Cuba rejects renewed accusation by the US.

US-Cuba Relations: Cuba signs an agreement with the Port of Houston. The Cuban Foreign Ministry denounces the Bush administration for taking new actions against five Cuban imprisoned in the US. The Bush administration cracks down on travel to Cuba, even for scientists and scholars. Lawyers of five Cubans imprisoned in the US express great optimism after an oral hearing for a retrial. John Kerry promises to make Florida a battleground for his quest to oust President Bush. Washington bars 300 Cubans involved in last year's crackdown against dissidents from the US. Colin Powell requests solidarity with 75 dissidents imprisoned in Cuba. A Republican candidate to the Senate proposes a plan to infiltrate spies in US tourists groups visiting the island. US government figures show there are about 200 businesses licensed to offer travel and shipping services to Cuba.