Chronicle on Cuba - March
2008
Highlights
Domestic Affairs: Cuba authorizes the sale of computers and electrical appliances. Fidel Castro defends the Cuban penitentiary system in one of his Reflections. The Ladies in White demand the release of political prisoners in the fifth anniversary of the crackdown against dissidents. The blog “Generación Y” is blocked in Cuba. The Cuban government lifts a rule that forced people to pick up prescription drugs from a specific pharmacy. The use of mobile telephones is authorized for all Cubans. Cubans are allowed to stay at tourist hotels.
Economy: Public transportation notably improves in the city of Havana. Farmers are allowed to buy supplies in Cuba's hard currency. Huge waves crash over the sea wall of the coastal city of Baracoa causing great damages. Cuba is taking economic actions to turn Basic Units of Cooperative Production into the major providers of food for the population.
Exile Community: Exile organizations participating in a forum on Cuba in Costa Rica issue a statement calling for the unity of all Cubans and against foreign interference in Cuba’s internal affairs. A group of Cuban exiles living in different countries issues a statement calling for “peace, reconciliation, and concord among all Cubans”. The Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry organizes a meeting in Havana with over 100 Cubans living abroad.
Foreign Affairs: Fidel Castro writes several articles on the conflict between Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, backing Ecuador and blaming the US for the dispute. The European Union’s top development aid official meets in Havana with the Cuban government. Cuba and Mexico declare their relations fully restored.
US-Cuba Relations: US politicians and lawmakers are urging a review of US policy toward Cuba. President George W. Bush criticizes democratic governments that do business in Cuba and reaffirms US hard-line policy toward the island. Cuban athletes from a soccer team seek for asylum in the US. International human rights groups based in the US call on President Raul Castro's government to free political prisoners.
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