Chronicle on Cuba - June 2004

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Several imprisoned dissidents are released due to poor health. Raúl Castro takes over the tourism industry and heads a national campaign against corruption. The Cuban government gives dissident Eloy Gutiérrez Menoyo authorization to travel, but not to dissident leader Oswaldo Payá.

Economy: An intense drought affects the Eastern part of the island. Long power outages affect the country. Big expectation surrounds the drilling for oil in the platform.

Exile Community: South Florida's Cuban-American community is divided over the Bush administration's policies. Cuban Americans rally in protest against new travel regulations.

Foreign Affairs: The European Union Ministers reiterate diplomatic sanctions against Fidel Castro’s regime. Cuban rafters reach Honduran and Mexican coasts. Namibian president, Sam Nujoma, visits the island. Jamaica Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Keith Desmond St. Aubyn Knight arrives in Cuba.

US-Cuba Relations: An investigation is requested into a Cuban government operation to filter approximately $3.9 billion in the banking system using a Federal Reserve program. Cuba clarifies its position on former US president Ronald Reagan. The US government introduces regulations that further tighten the embargo against Cuba. Fidel Castro warns President Bush against launching a military attack on Cuba.