Chronicle on Cuba - August 2009

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Cuba’s National Assembly supports the Government’s austere economic measures. Several oppositionists were detained on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the “Maleconazo”. The number of political prisoners in Cuba rose in the first half of the year. The Ministry of Education decided to close secondary schools in rural areas. Two videos show a fit and alert Fidel Castro.

Economy: The government cuts its budget for the second time this year. Portions for many rationed foodstuffs are cut while food deliveries to factories, offices and schools are trimmed.

Exile Community: A poll finds that almost half of Cuban-Americans opposes the controversial concert of Colombian singer Juanes in Havana. Cuban exiles launch an international campaign to demand the release of a man sentenced in Cuba for publicly criticizing the lack of food on the island

Foreign Affairs: President Raul Castro attends the swearing in ceremony of Ecuador’s President. Cuba appoints new ambassadors, including in Venezuela. Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa meets with Fidel and Raul Castro in Havana. Diplomats from European Union countries anger Cuba when they went to the home of a jailed dissident. Fidel Castro holds a public phone conversation with the Nicaraguan President.

Security: A Russian warship stays for three days in Havana’s harbor.

US-Cuba Relations: President Raul Castro warns the United States and the European Union that the country's political system is non-negotiable. Fidel Castro harshly criticizes the installation of US military bases in Colombia. A delegation of three US Catholic bishops visits Cuba. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson says he will report to President Obama about his trip to Cuba. Fidel Castro accuses the United States of seeking to "eliminate" Venezuela's government.