Chronicle on Cuba - March
2006
Highlights
Domestic Affairs: Havana welcomes home the Cuban baseball team returning from the World Baseball Classic. Several dissident leaders denounce the “acts of repudiation” organized against oppositionists by Cuban authorities. The 9th Biennial Fine Arts Exhibition opens up in Havana.
Economy: As part of a nation wide crusade, official daily Granma leads a campaign in Cuba’s official media against corruption and illegal activities. The island invests next to 140 million euros in the purchase of European optical instruments destined for the "Operation Miracle." Cuba seeks to breathe new life into the sugar industry. Iran and Cuba sign important economic agreements.
Foreign Affairs: Bolivia launches a literacy program with Cuban assistance. A special UN rights envoy delivers her report on the situation of human rights in Cuba. As part of the preparations for the 14th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, Cuba’s Foreign Affairs minister meets with the Arab League Summit. A Canadian bank ends deals with a Cuban government account under the application of the US Patriotic Act.
Security: A top-level Chinese military delegation visits Cuba.
US-Cuba Relations: Some 50 Cuban intellectuals are denied visas by the US government to attend an academic meeting in Puerto Rico. The top American diplomat in Cuba lashes out at what he calls "a sinister wave of repression" on the island. Cuban rafters choose Puerto Rico to reach US soil. US authorities say they will not release Luis Posada Carriles because he represents a threat to national security. |
