Chronicle on Cuba - July 2008

Domestic affairs: Critical situation of the educational system is under the microscope of Cuban authorities. Two key speeches by Raul Castro dampen expectations of reform and point out a belt-tightening period ahead. Cuban authorities launch a harassment campaign against members of the opposition through frequent detentions.

Economy: The Canadian International Development Agency contributes to the UNDP’s plans in Eastern Cuba. Raul Castro approves the lending of idle land to private farmers and cooperatives. Cuban biotechnology products are the second source of exports, over nickel and traditional products. Canadian Sherritt International Corp. cancels deep-sea oil exploration in the Cuban sector of the Gulf of Mexico. A high-ranking Russian delegation discusses in Havana the expansion of trade-economic relations.

Exile Community: Several Cuban exile organizations have launched a campaign to persuade President Bush to pardon a convicted member of Omega 7. A former official with the Cuban-American National Foundation is shot dead in Puerto Rico. The Cuban-American Blanco Herrera family claim that InBev has illegally been using the trademark beer name Cristal, which the family created on the island before 1959.

Foreign Affairs: President Raul Castro meets with Syrian Information Minister. Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister attends NAM Ministerial Meetings in Venezuela and Iran. Fidel Castro calls on Colombia’s FARC to release all hostages.  Cuba and Mexico expect to reach an agreement on migration by late August. In a letter to Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez talks about US plots against his country and Cuba. Russian Deputy Prime Minister and a top security official meet Cuban President Raul Castro. Fidel Castro slams Edmonton in an Internet column addressing the case of two Cuban baseball players who defected in the Canadian city.

Security: News reports speculate on regular flights by Russian long-range bombers to Cuba. An article by Fidel Castro is the only Cuban official comment on the potential installation of Russian bomber bases on the island.

Terrorism: The Cuban Embassy in Lebanon welcomes a Lebanese terrorist being freed in a prisoner swap between Israel and Hezbollah.

US-Cuba Relations: Cuba accuses US diplomats of inciting opponents to hold public protests on the Fourth of July. A US Senate committee approves legislation that would undo travel restrictions to Cuba. Rev. Al Sharpton protests the jailing of Afro-Cuban political dissidents by the Cuban government. President Raul Castro warns the US that Cuba would stay focused on defence regardless of who wins November's presidential election. Senator Arlen Specter says he hopes to meet with Raul Castro.