Chronicle on Cuba - April 2008

Domestic Affairs: Debates on critical topics regarding Cuban culture and society took place at the 7th Congress of artists and writers. The Cuban government reorganizes the island’s health care system. New regulations on property over state owned housing are in place. Authorities break up a peaceful demonstration by the Ladies in White at Revolution Square. A new Minister of Education is appointed after severe criticism regarding the education system was made public. President Raul Castro announces the VI Communist Party Congress for 2009, and the end of the two-year ''provisional'' period.

Economy: President Raul Castro launches a reform of agriculture and prioritizes food production. The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) finances a bank and creates a $100 million program to fight the rising cost of food. The Cuban government raises social security payments. Cuba announces a recovery of its tourism industry.

Foreign Affairs: A high-ranking Russian delegation delivers a greeting from President Vladimir Putin to Raul Castro. Cuba takes side with China on the dispute with Tibet. Bolivia’s Foreign Minister visits Havana. Cuba reiterates its support to Evo Morales’ government amid the separatist referendum in Bolivia.  Panamanian President Martin Torrijos visits Cuba.

Security: The First International Conference on Security and Defense agrees that the existing system in the Western Hemisphere must be reconstructed based on new concepts.

US-Cuba Relations: Washington reiterates that Cuba must make bolder democratic changes before it initiates conversations with President Raul Castro. The US Interests Section in Havana says that the number of illegal Cuban emigrants trying to get to the US increased over the past six months. The Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry denounces the US government “inaction” on the case of Luis Posada Carriles. Cuba and the US exchange accusations following the break up of a peaceful demonstration of the Ladies in White.