Chronicle on Cuba - June 2005

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Nearly 300 individuals are charged with prescription and over-the-counter drug black-marketeering offences. Cuban lawyers from several institutions are updating the Family Code enacted in 1975.

Economy: Blackouts amount to five or six hours per day in Havana and the western province of Matanzas. The Canadian conglomerate Sherritt International reports $16.9 million in revenues for its oil and natural gas operations in Cuba. Cuban authorities in Havana shut down hundreds of private entrepreneurs. Cuba increases the salaries of its teachers, doctors and nurses.

Foreign Affairs: Foreign ministers of the European Union decide not to re-impose diplomatic sanctions on Cuba. Fidel Castro makes a surprise visit to Venezuela to attend a Caribbean oil summit.

Security: Fidel Castro receives a delegation from the Institute for National Defence Higher Education of Venezuela.

Terrorism: International watchdogs condemn continued human rights abuse against detainees at Guantanamo Naval Base.