Chronicle on Cuba - September 2004

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Over 40,000 people are evacuated from flood-prone areas prior to the passing of Hurricane Ivan. Dissidents and relatives of political prisoners organize various vigils and fasts demanding the release of all political prisoners in Cuba.

Economy: Hurricane Ivan causes serious environmental damages and affects tobacco drying houses, citrus and other crops. Cuban and Venezuelan authorities approve 116 collaboration projects in 15 different areas. Cuba says it will close more than 100 factories as part of measures to cope with a severe energy crisis.

Foreign Affairs: Former national leaders gather in Prague with writers and human rights advocates at the first meeting of the International Committee for Democracy in Cuba, an initiative of Vaclav Havel. Cuban and Mexican legislators meet in Havana at the 7th Inter-Parliamentary meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meets with Fidel Castro.

Terrorism: Cuba formally requests the extradition of Luis Posada Carriles from Honduras. The Bush administration concludes that it is no longer clear that Cuba has an active, offensive bio-weapons program.

US-Cuba Relations: The US House votes to reverse limitations on travels by Cuban-Americans to visit their families in Cuba. Cuba presents the document on the US embargo that will be presented before the UN General Assembly.