Chronicle on Cuba - November 2005

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Fidel Castro mobilizes tens of thousands of young people and launches a national wide campaign against corruption and illegalities. Cuban authorities make dozens of arrests related with the corruption campaign. Fidel Castro meets with Cuba's Roman Catholic Church. Repression against the dissident movement continues. Fidel Castro stresses the need to create a “totally new society” in Cuba.

Economy: Canada signs an agreement with Cuba calling for the sale of 100,000 metric tons of wheat. Venezuela heads Cuba's list of most important commercial partners. The Cuban government launches a campaign against private markets and business. Fidel Castro attacks private business and announces hikes in wages, pensions and electricity rates. Cuba's economic growth may surpass nine percent in 2005, says Economy Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez.

Foreign Affairs: About 300 Cubans participate in the “People’s Summit”, parallel to the Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina.The Iranian and Cuban governments strengthen diplomatic ties. The Cuban-Venezuelan solidarity campaign Operation Milagro establishes its first base outside of Cuba in Bolivia. Cuba opens its embassy in Islamabad. President Martin Torrijos of Panama visits Cuba ahead of dozens of eye patients traveling for free operations.

Security: Cuban and Chinese military leaders meet in Havana to reaffirm ties between the two communist countries.