Chronicle on Cuba - July 2007

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Human rights organizations on the island say the number of Cubans in jail for political reasons dropped, but the rights situation has not improved. The 31st Ordinary Assembly of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) is held at Havana’s Archdiocese. Cuba starts the first steps towards general elections slated for 2007. Fidel Castro dedicates some of his Reflections to domestic issues, the Pan American Games, and the defection of some Cuban athletes. In his 26 of July speech, Raul Castro raises hopes of reforms to relieve economic inefficiencies and food shortages.

Economy: Cuba and Russia renew cooperation in aviation services and training. Thousands of windmills are installed on the island. Carlos Lage tours warehousing facilities in Havana province. Cuba imports sugar to meet local demand. Cuba benefits from a line of credit granted by Iran. Cuba's actively serviced foreign debt jumped nearly $2 billion in 2006.

Foreign Affairs: Mexico and Cuba initiate steps toward the improvement of bilateral relations. Cuba inaugurates the fifth of 20 hospitals donated to Bolivia by the island. South Africa and Cuba strengthen political and economic ties. The 11th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting between Cuba and Panama takes place in Panama City. Cuban rafters arrive in Honduran, Colombian and Mexican shores. The OAS Secretary General reiterates the need to re-establish a dialogue about Cuba in the organization. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper expresses concerns about governance and human rights on the island.

Security: Military delegations from Angola and Venezuela visit Cuba. Raul Castro says that military operation “Caiguarán” will continue throughout 2007.

US-Cuba Relations: In several of his Reflections, Fidel Castro harshly criticizes US administrations and suggests that Washington has deliberately failed to stop terrorist attacks against Americans. The US won't meet its commitment to provide at least 20,000 visas for Cubans to migrate from the island. Raul Castro offers the US an invitation to a dialogue with Cuba. The US Commerce Department estimates Cuba will import $300 million to $350 million in goods from the US this year.