Chronicle on Cuba - May 2005

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: The Assembly to Promote Civil Society in Cuba, a coalition of dissident organizations in Cuba, holds an unprecedented two-day meeting in Río Verde, Havana. A public meeting of Fidel Castro's critics in Cuba deepens split between dissidents.

Economy: Cuba signs an agreement with Canadian company Sherrit International, aimed at expanding their joint venture in the nickel industry. Trade and cooperation agreements between Cuba and Venezuela increase. Cuban top officials stress that the national economy is gradually recovering. Fidel Castro unveils a national plan for the promotion of practices reducing electricity consumption. Cuba ends the worst sugar harvest in a century.

Exile Community: Cuban exile community in Miami is divided over the Luis Posada Carriles case.

Foreign Affairs: Fidel Castro criticizes the Mexican secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Chilean government, the Organization of American States and its new secretary-general. Raúl Castro concludes a trip to Asia with a private visit to Galicia, Spain. The European Union criticizes Cuba's decision to deport EU lawmakers and journalists from the island.Cuba asks Mexico for a report on the passage through Mexico of Luis Posada Carriles.

Security: North Korea and Cuba hold senior-level military talks in Pyongyang.