Chronicle on Cuba - July 2005

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: In an atmosphere of social unrest, dissidents perform several peaceful demonstrations in Havana. Cuban authorities organize government demonstrations against the oppositionists. Over 40 dissidents are sent to jail. Cuban health authorities urge Havana residents to take extra hygiene precautions after the deaths of eight children. Fidel Castro warns against demonstrations by the opposition.

Economy: Soil erosion and deforestation are the top environmental problems facing Cuba. Cubans suffer almost daily 6 to 10 hours blackouts. Hurricane Dennis kills at least 16 people, damages or destroys 15,000 homes and causes an estimated $1.4 billion in property damage. Fidel Castro announces that Cuban economy will grow 9% in 2005.

Foreign Affairs: Fidel Castro rejects aid coming from the European Union to assist Cuba for damages caused by Hurricane Dennis. France invites Cuban authorities to its Bastille Day reception. The European Union voices deep concern over Cuba's latest clampdown on dissidents. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announces that 100,000 Latin Americans will undergo eye surgery in Cuba in 2005, as part of the island's Milagro (Miracle) Medical Program.

Security: Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez says that any "imperialist" attack from the US would be resisted by the Venezuelan and Cuban nations as one.

US-Cuba Relations: In the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis, Fidel Castro turns down a US offer of $50,000 in aid for emergency supplies. A UN panel rules that the US’ detention of five Cubans convicted of being foreign spies is arbitrary and in violation of international law. A US immigration judge denies a request for bail from Luis Posada Carriles.