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 30 August 2008 16:06 BST

United States calls for democracy in post-Castro Cuba

Tuesday, 19 Feb 2008 13:48
George Bush says Fidel Castro's relinquishing of power gives Cuba chance of "democratic transition"
Fidel Castro's retirement provides Cubans with the chance of a "democratic transition", George Bush has said.

The United States president said the ailing Cuban leader's decision to relinquish power created an opportunity for "free and fair elections".

In an open letter to Communist newspaper Granma, Mr Castro, 81, confirmed he would not be seeking the position of president or commander in chief, ending almost 50 years of his rule.

His brother Raul, five years his junior, is likely to replace him as president, having filled the post in an acting role since his brother underwent intestinal surgery two years ago.

Speaking in Rwanda during a five-day state visit to Africa, Mr Bush commented: "I believe that the change from Fidel Castro ought to begin a period of a democratic transition.

"Eventually this transition ought to lead to free and fair elections, and I mean free and I mean fair."

The US president added: "Not these kind of staged elections that the Castro brothers try to foist off as being true democracy.

"And we're going to help. The United States will help the people of Cuba realise the blessings of liberty."

Washington maintains a four-decade economic embargo and blockade on Cuba, which was the western hemisphere's first Communist state.

Gordon Brown echoed Mr Bush's comments following Mr Castro's retirement.

The prime minister's spokesperson said Cuba had an opportunity "to make progress towards a peaceful transition to a pluralist democracy".

But the representative cautioned: "These are matters for the Cuban people.

"Our position on Cuba is a longstanding one, which is that we have always sought to encourage a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba, as well as a greater respect for human rights and the unconditional release of all political prisoners.

"Anything which encourages progress down that path is something we would welcome."

In Russia, the Community party praised Mr Castro's "brave decision"; while Spain's Latin America minister Trinidad Jimenez said Raul Castro should engage his economic reforms with "greater capacity, toughness and confidence".End of story


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