Chronicle on Cuba - May 2004

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Both the Evangelical and Catholic churches reject US sanctions and issue a call to a dialogue.

Economy: Cuban authorities take drastic steps to deal with the effects of new US government measures to tighten the embargo. A continued drought in eastern Cuba has prompted emergency measures.

Exile Community: The reaction to Bush's announcement of new measures against the island generates varied responses among the exile community. Cuban government officials and some 450 representatives of the more moderate factions of the Cuban exile community attend the 3rd Conference on Nation and Emigration.

Foreign Affairs: Mexico and Cuba experience a grave diplomatic crisis. Peru, Mexico and Nicaragua respond to Fidel Castro’s critical speech on the occasion of May Day. Cuba remains isolated during debates at the 3th EU-LA Summit in Guadalajara.

US-Cuba Relations: The US Commission for the Assistance to a Free Cuba makes recommendations to hasten a democratic transition in the island. Cuba responds to the US with a warning to its citizen that harsher times are to come. Leading Cuban dissident organizations criticize US new measures.