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Cuba marks revolution anniversary
by amyjudd | July 26, 2008 at 03:18 pm | 174 views | 3 comments | 15 recommendations
UPDATE: 9:45PM EST - After the speech
Raul Castro has warned residents to be prepared of the consequences of the global economic food crisis.
He did not announce any new economic polices as he was expected to do.
PREVIOUSLY
Cuban President Raul Castro will be addressing the nation shortly in a keynote speech to mark Rebellion Day, and which he might outline further economic reforms.
The speech is part of the celebrations marking the 55th anniversary of the beginning of the communist revolution.
Mr Castro has introduced significant changes in the country since succeeding his ailing brother, Fidel, in February.
He recently announced a move to allow some private farming and relaxed limits on mobile phones and computers.
'Excessive prohibitions'
The BBC's Michael Voss in Santiago says 26 July, known as Rebellion Day, is traditionally used to announce major policy changes.
Castro might outline further reforms to reduce state economic controls, but there could also be cuts to the country's welfare state, what with the rising world oil and food prices.
Most of the speculation is based on the president's promise earlier this year to remove "excessive prohibitions" in Cuban life.
Mr Castro will address a crowd of some 10,000 people at the parade grounds of Santiago's historic Moncada army barracks, where he and his brother led a fruitless rebel assault exactly 55 years ago.
Coincidentially, the Rebillion Day celebrations two years ago, was the last time Fidel Castro was seen in public before he underwent emergency intestinal surgery.
More updates to follow.
July 26, 2008 at 03:18 pm by amyjudd, 174 views, 3 comments
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 00:50 on July 27th, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.
RC made a good and very vague speech!
at 05:34 on July 27th, 2008
Raul Castro made a good speech? As a Cuban who knows a "good" communist speech I disagree that the speech was good for any Cuban in Cuba. The changes Raul Castro makes are symbolic, no average Cuban in Cuba will benefit that is what my family members tell me who live in Cuba but are afraid to speak a word of it in public..
at 05:35 on July 27th, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.