Chronicle on Cuba - December
2008
Highlights
Domestic Affairs: Racism is under discussion among the Cuban population and intellectuals. Authorities harass blogger Yoani Sanchez. The Latin American Film Festival runs for ten days in Havana. Authorities arrest dozens of activists on the eve of the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. At the National Assembly, Raul Castro calls for austerity measures and stricter management.
Economy: The implementation of salary reform experiences delays. Venezuela and Cuba sign an agreement for 163 joint projects for 2009. Cuba registers a GDP growth of 4.3 percent. Cuba's trade deficit soars by nearly 70 percent in 2008.
Foreign Affairs: The 3rd Cuba-CARICOM Summit takes place in Santiago de Cuba. Several Latin American governments and bodies favour the return of the island to the Organization of American States. President Raul Castro travels to Venezuela and Brazil. Cuba is formally introduced into the Rio Group.
Security: A group of Russian warships visit the island.
US-Cuba Relations: President Raul Castro says that Cuba has battled Washington's trade embargo for nearly 50 years and is prepared to do so for another 50. Business groups and dozens of other organizations send letters to President-elect Obama asking him for a change in US policy toward Cuba. Raul Castro proposes a swap of prisoners with the US.
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