Chronicle on Cuba - October 2008

Domestic Affairs: In the wake of hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Cuban population suffers food shortages. Courts impose harsh punishments for food hoarding, theft, undue appropriation and other illegal activities. Cuba's first Russian Orthodox Church is consecrated in Havana. Opposition leaders denounce repressive measures against the dissident movement.

Economy: Cuba begins leasing land to private farmers and cooperatives. Canadian Sherritt International Corp. cancels its agreement for operations in Cuban waters. High-ranking delegations from Russia and Vietnam discuss with Cuban authorities projects in several economic sectors. Granma newspaper says the implementation of reforms launched by President Raul Castro is going more slowly than hoped. Brazilian company Petrobras signs an agreement to explore for oil in Cuba' s offshore fields.  

Exile Community: Research from the University of Miami says that many Cuban Americans question US policy towards Cuba. Several Cuban American organizations express disagreement with the migration pact signed between Cuba and Mexico.

Foreign Affairs: Humanitarian aid continues flowing to Cuba from countries around the world. Although two hurricanes swept the island, Cuban authorities do not interrupt cooperation programs with other countries. Spain renegotiates Cuba’s debt and funds programs for the re-construction of houses and facilities in the island. Cuban opposition leaders make calls to Spain and the European Union not to be indifferent to the violations of human rights committed by the Cuban government. Moscow expands its relation with Havana. Cuba and Mexico sign a migratory agreement. Vietnam’s Vice-President visits the island. The European Union and Cuba re-establish cooperation. The Brazilian President meets in Havana with Fidel and Raul Castro.

Security: Russian news agencies say a delegation of the Tactical Air Defense of the Russian Armed Forces flew to Cuba. Russia invites Cuba to join its satellite navigation system. Granma newspaper says that life in Cuban provinces affected by the hurricanes is still ruled by the Defense Councils.

US-Cuba Relations: Cuba intensifies its campaign to free “The Cuban Five”. Fidel Castro writes several articles on the US presidential election. Cuba opens a campaign to generate world pressure to end the US embargo. The UN General Assembly votes overwhelmingly for the 17th year in a row to demand an end to the US trade embargo against Cuba.