Chronicle on Cuba - September 2006

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Fidel Castro assures that he is recovering from intestinal surgery. Repression and harassment against the dissident movement increase. Cuba sets a tight security operation in Havana in anticipation of the arrival of leaders and delegates to the XIV Non-Aligned summit. An intensive campaign is underway against the mosquito that transmits dengue fever. Raul Castro emphasizes the battle against corruption at Cuba’s labour union congress.

Economy: Cuban authorities are expanding the sugar industry to take advantage of the high global price of sugar. India's state-run oil company signs an agreement to explore Cuban waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Russia grants Cuba credit worth $350 million.

Foreign Affairs: Cuba is elected president of the Non Aligned Movement during its 14th summit in Havana. Fidel and Raul Castro meet with foreign leaders during Havana’s Non Aligned summit. The Spanish secretary of state for foreign affairs, Bernardino Leon, meets with dissidents in Havana. Esteban Lazo, vice president of the Cuban Council of State, leads the Cuban delegation to the 61st session of the UN General Assembly.

Security: The Chief of Congo Brazzaville's Armed Forces staff, Division General Charles Richard Mondjo, visits Cuba. Cuba and Russia sign a military agreement.