Chronicle on Cuba - February
2008
Highlights
Domestic Affairs: Cuban authorities evict over 60 families living in a shantytown in Holguin province. University students openly criticize government policies. Four Cuban dissidents jailed since 2003 are sent to Spain with their families. Fidel Castro resigns from his post and declines to be re-elected as President of the Councils of State and Ministers. The National Assembly names Raul Castro President of the Councils of State and Ministers.
Economy: Nickel consolidated its position as the island’s main export in 2007. The Cuban Tourism Minister announces a total recovery of the Spanish tourist market for 2008. Mexico agrees to restructure $400 million in Cuban debt and re-opens credit lines with Havana. Belarus and Cuba sign an intergovernmental agreement on the supply of buses to the island.
Exile Community: Leaders of exile organizations react moderately to Fidel Castro’s resignation.
Foreign Affairs: Spain holds a second round of talks with Cuba on human rights issues. Representatives of Cuba and the Islamic Republic of Iran sign their first agreement on scientific cooperation. World leaders react to Fidel Castro’s resignation and to the new presidency on the island. During an official and pastoral visit to Cuba, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, meets with Raul Castro. Cuba signs two UN human rights treaties.
US-Cuba Relations: The US intelligence community reports to a US Senate Committee on Cuba. Fidel Castro writes five articles on Republican presidential hopeful John McCain. Washington reaffirms the trade embargo and expresses hope that the end of Fidel Castro's presidency will launch a transition to democracy in Cuba. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama urges the US to be prepared to take steps to normalize relations with the island.
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