Raul Castro takes over
24/02/2008 22:34  - (SA)  

Cuba braces for new guard Castro calls for change - in US US: Cuba embargo to remain Hopes for democracy in Cuba Castro quits as Cuban president 'Free Cuba' within a year Castro 'won't cling to office'

Havana - Raul Castro was named president of Cuba on Sunday, ending his brother Fidel Castro's 49-year rule, but keeping the country on a Communist path.

Raul Castro, 76, nodded and smiled as the National Assembly applauded his election by the rubber-stamp legislature.

Many analysts expect Raul Castro to bring some economic reforms to Cuba's crippled economy but in a sign that change is unlikely to be deep or abrupt, hardline Communist party ideologue Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 77, was named vice-president.

Raul Castro has led the West's last Communist state since July 2006 when long-time US foe Fidel Castro temporarily handed over power after undergoing intestinal surgery.

The bearded revolutionary officially retired on Tuesday.

 

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