Cuban authorities on Tuesday announced that the most important event of the gay community in Cuba will be suspended and will not take place this year.

Cuba suspends gay parade

Russia is stirring the ghosts of Cuba's Cold War past as it looks to re-establish its influence in the Communist-run island nation, although this time analysts say Moscow has no intention of bankrolling Havana.

Whereas once the Soviet Union and Cuba were linked by an ideological bond, now pragmatism and a shared rejection of US foreign policy are drawing them together again.

At Havana's colourful May Day parade Wednesday, Raul Castro, the first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party, received the highest distinction from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation,&nbsp;the Order of Lenin.

The former Cuba president said the prize -- first presented in 1930 by the Soviet Union -- pointed to the "historic relations" between the two countries that "have endured different scenarios and today are being reinforced and renewed."&nbsp;

This rapprochement is not new but has been consolidated by a shared opposition to sanctions imposed on Cuba by Washington, which accuses the Caribbean nation of providing military support to Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, another Moscow ally.

"The effect of this policy is that it isolates the United States on Cuba and we're opening the door for greater Chinese and Russian presence on the island," said Ric Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, which connects Cuban-Americans advocating economic and political freedom on the island.

Relations between Havana and Washington had thawed under former president Barack Obama, but have chilled considerably since Donald Trump's administration took over.

'Lovers triangle'

The Soviet era may have been confined to history, but it hasn't been forgotten.

"In Cuba, we've always had fond memories of Russia," said 82-year-old Luis Corredera Rodriguez as he played dominos with friends on a Havana sidewalk. "They supported us in everything."

"They're friends for life," added Julio Garcia, 59, although he noted that "the Russians have changed." In effect, he said, the Cubans have become more Russian than the Russians themselves.

"They're no longer Soviet, they're capitalist like everyone."

Behind the dominos table -- Cuba's national pastime -- a parked Russian Lada is passed by a revving classic 1950s American car.

"It's almost like a lovers triangle between the US, Cuba and Russia: it's an old relationship, there's a lot of emotion here," said Scott B. MacDonald, senior associate of the Americas program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He said the last two years have seen Cuba slide into "a new Cold War," although with a different dynamic this time.

"At the end of the Soviet Union, it was about $4 billion a year that went to prop up the Cuban economy."

That came to an end when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990.

Now, Russia is only Cuba's third largest commercial partner, after the European Union and China.

"Russia likes the idea of warming up this relationship, but does Russia want to spend $4 billion a year to keep Cuba alive economically?" asked MacDonald.

The US may be wary of Russia sidling up to Cuba but the EU seems to have no issue with it.

The EU ambassadors in Cuba invited their Russian counterpart to their monthly meeting, where Andrei Guskov talked about the collaboration between Moscow and Havana and his desire to increase it, several participants said.

After agreeing to business deals worth $350 million in 2018, Russian investments will allow Cuba to increase its energy production by 20 per cent and renew the 14-strong fleet of the national airline, Guskov said.

'No ideological dimension'

On top of that, Russia has agreed a 38 million euro ($42 million) loan to modernise Cuba's military, $1 billion to refurbish its railway lines and agreements in civilian nuclear power and cybersecurity.

This "is part of a larger effort by Russia to destabilise the United States, rather than" a bid "to form a Soviet satellite 90 miles off the (US) shores like during the Cold War," said Herrero.

However, the friendship between the two countries today is "built on a pragmatic base, without the ideological dimension there was during the Soviet era," said Nikolai Kalashnikov, deputy director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

While Russia is no longer communist, socialist Cuba is driven in part by the threat it will lose its oil aid from crisis-wracked Venezuela -- itself creaking under the strain of US sanctions -- and its need for cash.

"Cuba needs to export and Russia is a market of 143 million" people, said Santiago Perez, deputy director of the Cuban Research Center for International Policy.

There may no longer be a common ideology, but there are "mutual interests."

"The relationship with Russia is crucial for us right now, and I think it's the same for them too."

Russia is stirring the ghosts of Cuba's Cold War past as it looks to re-establish its influence in the Communist-run island nation, although this time analysts say Moscow has no intention of bankrolling Havana.

Russia is stirring the ghosts of Cuba's Cold War past as it looks to re-establish its influence in the Communist-run island nation, although this time analysts say Moscow has no intention of bankrolling Havana. Whereas once the Soviet Union and Cuba were linked by an ideological bond, now pragmatism and a shared rejection of US foreign policy are drawing them together again. At Havana's colourful May Day parade Wednesday, Raul Castro, the first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party, received the highest distinction from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Order of Lenin. The former Cuba president said the prize -- first presented in 1930 by the Soviet Union -- pointed to the "historic relations" between the two countries that "have endured different scenarios and today are being reinforced and renewed." This rapprochement is not new but has been consolidated by a shared opposition to sanctions imposed on Cuba by Washington, which accuses the Caribbean nation of providing military support to Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, another Moscow ally. "The effect of this policy is that it isolates the United States on Cuba and we're opening the door for greater Chinese and Russian presence on the island," said Ric Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, which connects Cuban-Americans advocating economic and political freedom on the island. Relations between Havana and Washington had thawed under former president Barack Obama, but have chilled considerably since Donald Trump's administration took over. 'Lovers triangle' The Soviet era may have been confined to history, but it hasn't been forgotten. "In Cuba, we've always had fond memories of Russia," said 82-year-old Luis Corredera Rodriguez as he played dominos with friends on a Havana sidewalk. "They supported us in everything." "They're friends for life," added Julio Garcia, 59, although he noted that "the Russians have changed." In effect, he said, the Cubans have become more Russian than the Russians themselves. "They're no longer Soviet, they're capitalist like everyone." Behind the dominos table -- Cuba's national pastime -- a parked Russian Lada is passed by a revving classic 1950s American car. "It's almost like a lovers triangle between the US, Cuba and Russia: it's an old relationship, there's a lot of emotion here," said Scott B. MacDonald, senior associate of the Americas program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said the last two years have seen Cuba slide into "a new Cold War," although with a different dynamic this time. "At the end of the Soviet Union, it was about $4 billion a year that went to prop up the Cuban economy." That came to an end when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990. Now, Russia is only Cuba's third largest commercial partner, after the European Union and China. "Russia likes the idea of warming up this relationship, but does Russia want to spend $4 billion a year to keep Cuba alive economically?" asked MacDonald. The US may be wary of Russia sidling up to Cuba but the EU seems to have no issue with it. The EU ambassadors in Cuba invited their Russian counterpart to their monthly meeting, where Andrei Guskov talked about the collaboration between Moscow and Havana and his desire to increase it, several participants said. After agreeing to business deals worth $350 million in 2018, Russian investments will allow Cuba to increase its energy production by 20 per cent and renew the 14-strong fleet of the national airline, Guskov said. 'No ideological dimension' On top of that, Russia has agreed a 38 million euro ($42 million) loan to modernise Cuba's military, $1 billion to refurbish its railway lines and agreements in civilian nuclear power and cybersecurity. This "is part of a larger effort by Russia to destabilise the United States, rather than" a bid "to form a Soviet satellite 90 miles off the (US) shores like during the Cold War," said Herrero. However, the friendship between the two countries today is "built on a pragmatic base, without the ideological dimension there was during the Soviet era," said Nikolai Kalashnikov, deputy director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences. While Russia is no longer communist, socialist Cuba is driven in part by the threat it will lose its oil aid from crisis-wracked Venezuela -- itself creaking under the strain of US sanctions -- and its need for cash. "Cuba needs to export and Russia is a market of 143 million" people, said Santiago Perez, deputy director of the Cuban Research Center for International Policy. There may no longer be a common ideology, but there are "mutual interests." "The relationship with Russia is crucial for us right now, and I think it's the same for them too."

Russia's increasing influence in Cuba stirs ghost of Cold War

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump issued his ultimatum to Havana in a message on Twitter as his administration threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido`s strongest call yet for the military to help him oust Maduro during a day of upheaval in the South American country.

Also on Tuesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning, headed for Havana in the face of anti-government protests, but reversed his plan after Russia intervened.

"They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Pompeo said in an interview with CNN.

Several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally outside the La Carlota air base in Caracas early on Tuesday, but the incident fizzled out and did not appear to be part of an immediate attempt by the opposition to take power through military force.

Trump`s threat against Cuba marked an intensification of a US&nbsp;campaign in recent weeks to pressure Cuba over its role in Venezuela, although some experts and former US&nbsp;officials say Trump and his aides have overstated Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan crisis.

"If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump said on Twitter.

"Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!", Trump&nbsp;wrote.

Cuba has stood by its ally Maduro and has denied US&nbsp;accusations that it has military and intelligence operatives, which Washington estimates at 20,000 to 25,000 personnel in Venezuela propping him up.

Trump has rolled back parts of predecessor Barack Obama`s historic rapprochement with Cuba and returned to Cold War-style rhetoric.

But he has not broken off diplomatic relations, which Obama restored in 2015 after decades of enmity.

A six-decade US&nbsp;economic embargo on Cuba has also remained officially intact, even though Obama chipped away at many of the US&nbsp;trade and travel restrictions.

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose a "full and complete embargo" and further sanctions on Cuba if its Communist leadership does not immediately end its military support for Venezuela`s socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump issued his ultimatum to Havana in a message on Twitter as his administration threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido`s strongest call yet for the military to help him oust Maduro during a day of upheaval in the South American country. Also on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro had been prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning, headed for Havana in the face of anti-government protests, but reversed his plan after Russia intervened. "They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay," Pompeo said in an interview with CNN. Several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally outside the La Carlota air base in Caracas early on Tuesday, but the incident fizzled out and did not appear to be part of an immediate attempt by the opposition to take power through military force. Trump`s threat against Cuba marked an intensification of a US campaign in recent weeks to pressure Cuba over its role in Venezuela, although some experts and former US officials say Trump and his aides have overstated Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan crisis. "If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba," Trump said on Twitter. "Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!", Trump wrote. Cuba has stood by its ally Maduro and has denied US accusations that it has military and intelligence operatives, which Washington estimates at 20,000 to 25,000 personnel in Venezuela propping him up. Trump has rolled back parts of predecessor Barack Obama`s historic rapprochement with Cuba and returned to Cold War-style rhetoric. But he has not broken off diplomatic relations, which Obama restored in 2015 after decades of enmity. A six-decade US economic embargo on Cuba has also remained officially intact, even though Obama chipped away at many of the US trade and travel restrictions.

Trump threatens 'full' embargo on Cuba over Venezuela security support

The United States announced on Friday it would replace a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa offered to Cubans with a single-entry visa valid for just three months, to match the island nation's own visa rules for US visitors.

The move marks the latest deterioration in relations between Washington and Havana since US President Donald Trump entered office in 2017.

Washington's Deputy Chief of Mission at its embassy in Havana, Mara Tekach, said in a video published on social media that the measure was taken because "US immigration law requires that US visa fees and validity periods be reciprocal."

She said Cuba allows US tourists a single entry visa valid for up to three months.

The new US rules apply to Cubans seeking to visit the US for family visits and medical treatment as well as vacations.

The measure comes into effect on March 18 but won't affect existing visas, a Department of State official said.

Under Obama, US-Cuba relations thawed after decades of tension, with the two countries reopening embassies in each other's capitals.

But under Trump, Washington has ramped up sanctions, first applied in 1962, against Cuba's communist regime.

Trump has hit out at Cuba over its support for its socialist ally, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, while he also claimed last month that leftist ideologies in the region were "dying."

The US evacuated diplomatic staff and their families in 2017 after at least two dozen people suffered brain injuries that resembled concussion, but with no exterior signs of trauma.

The US accused Cuba of carrying out "health attacks" using some sort of acoustic or microwave device, a charge Havana angrily rejected.

Cuba insisted the move was "politically motivated."

Friday's announcement will make it even harder for Cubans to gain US visas: they already have to travel abroad to apply due to the lack of US consular services on the island nation.

Even so, of the two million Cubans living outside the country, most reside in the US.

The US government does not allow its citizens to travel to Cuba as tourists, likewise meaning that travelers must leave the country before applying for a visa to visit the Caribbean island.

The United States announced on Friday it would replace a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa offered to Cubans with a single-entry visa valid for just three months, to match the island nation's own visa rules for US visitors.

The United States announced on Friday it would replace a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa offered to Cubans with a single-entry visa valid for just three months, to match the island nation's own visa rules for US visitors. The move marks the latest deterioration in relations between Washington and Havana since US President Donald Trump entered office in 2017. Washington's Deputy Chief of Mission at its embassy in Havana, Mara Tekach, said in a video published on social media that the measure was taken because "US immigration law requires that US visa fees and validity periods be reciprocal." She said Cuba allows US tourists a single entry visa valid for up to three months. The new US rules apply to Cubans seeking to visit the US for family visits and medical treatment as well as vacations. The measure comes into effect on March 18 but won't affect existing visas, a Department of State official said. Under Obama, US-Cuba relations thawed after decades of tension, with the two countries reopening embassies in each other's capitals. But under Trump, Washington has ramped up sanctions, first applied in 1962, against Cuba's communist regime. Trump has hit out at Cuba over its support for its socialist ally, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, while he also claimed last month that leftist ideologies in the region were "dying." The US evacuated diplomatic staff and their families in 2017 after at least two dozen people suffered brain injuries that resembled concussion, but with no exterior signs of trauma. The US accused Cuba of carrying out "health attacks" using some sort of acoustic or microwave device, a charge Havana angrily rejected. Cuba insisted the move was "politically motivated." Friday's announcement will make it even harder for Cubans to gain US visas: they already have to travel abroad to apply due to the lack of US consular services on the island nation. Even so, of the two million Cubans living outside the country, most reside in the US. The US government does not allow its citizens to travel to Cuba as tourists, likewise meaning that travelers must leave the country before applying for a visa to visit the Caribbean island.

US slashes visa duration for Cubans in 'reciprocal' move

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela.

"We Cubans are voting for our new constitution, we're voting for Latin America and the Caribbean," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel said when placing his vote.

"We're also voting for Venezuela, we're defending Venezuela because in Venezuela the continent's dignity is in play."

More than eight million Cubans are registered to vote in a referendum the government has turned into a plebiscite on the "irrevocable" role of socialism in the island nation.

Some 25,000 electoral colleges opened their doors at 7:00 am on a calm day. Results are expected on Monday afternoon.

Diaz-Canel hit out at the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay for joining Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido Saturday when he led an attempt to force humanitarian aid across the Colombian border into Venezuela.

"A group of presidents on the Colombian border, they look like clowns," said Diaz-Canel.

Cuba has been trying to galvanize international support for its ally and against "United States military aggression."

Maduro claims the humanitarian aid, mostly supplied by Washington, is a smokescreen for a US invasion.

"Today we're going to have a victory that is ours, that is Latin America's and Caribbean's and also a victory for Venezuela, important support for Venezuela," said Diaz-Canel.

Cuba's vote comes after the latest attack on socialism by US President Donald Trump, who last week said socialist ideology is "dying."

But analyst Carlos Alzugaray told AFP that Trump's words served only to boost those voting in favour of the new constitution, which reiterates the central role of socialism and communism in the country.

"Many people, seeing his quotes, will vote yes because they want to defend their independence against the US threat," said Alzugaray.

The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognizes a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party.

It enshrines socialism as the country's only ideology, something that has been criticized by the Catholic church.

Cuba's banned opposition, which normally calls for the abstention at elections or spoiling of ballot sheets, has this time campaigned for a no vote.

"It is obvious that this goes beyond a no to a constitution, it's a no to a regime which aims to perpetuate itself in power," dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told AFP.

The referendum contains only two options: yes or no to the new constitution.

"Two options, one which favours the regime and the other which represents the only opportunity the people have had in years to say no," added Ferrer.

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela.

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela. "We Cubans are voting for our new constitution, we're voting for Latin America and the Caribbean," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel said when placing his vote. "We're also voting for Venezuela, we're defending Venezuela because in Venezuela the continent's dignity is in play." More than eight million Cubans are registered to vote in a referendum the government has turned into a plebiscite on the "irrevocable" role of socialism in the island nation. Some 25,000 electoral colleges opened their doors at 7:00 am on a calm day. Results are expected on Monday afternoon. Diaz-Canel hit out at the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay for joining Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido Saturday when he led an attempt to force humanitarian aid across the Colombian border into Venezuela. "A group of presidents on the Colombian border, they look like clowns," said Diaz-Canel. Cuba has been trying to galvanize international support for its ally and against "United States military aggression." Maduro claims the humanitarian aid, mostly supplied by Washington, is a smokescreen for a US invasion. "Today we're going to have a victory that is ours, that is Latin America's and Caribbean's and also a victory for Venezuela, important support for Venezuela," said Diaz-Canel. Cuba's vote comes after the latest attack on socialism by US President Donald Trump, who last week said socialist ideology is "dying." But analyst Carlos Alzugaray told AFP that Trump's words served only to boost those voting in favour of the new constitution, which reiterates the central role of socialism and communism in the country. "Many people, seeing his quotes, will vote yes because they want to defend their independence against the US threat," said Alzugaray. The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognizes a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party. It enshrines socialism as the country's only ideology, something that has been criticized by the Catholic church. Cuba's banned opposition, which normally calls for the abstention at elections or spoiling of ballot sheets, has this time campaigned for a no vote. "It is obvious that this goes beyond a no to a constitution, it's a no to a regime which aims to perpetuate itself in power," dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told AFP. The referendum contains only two options: yes or no to the new constitution. "Two options, one which favours the regime and the other which represents the only opportunity the people have had in years to say no," added Ferrer.

Cuba votes in referendum on new constitution

Canadian diplomats who suffered from mysterious health complaints while they were posted to Cuba in 2017 are suing Ottawa for taking too long to evacuate them and provide them treatment, reports said Wednesday.

Fourteen people, including current and former diplomats and their families, are seeking $21 million&nbsp;in damages from the federal government.&nbsp;

All of them have been back in Canada for a year but still suffer from what has become known as "Havana syndrome," a mystery illness with symptoms including strong migraines as well as visual and auditory disorders.

According to CBC, which interviewed five of those affected, the first symptoms appeared in the spring of 2017 — but they say that Ottawa waited more than a year before helping everyone.

Questioned on the subject on Wednesday while she was in Washington, foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said the safety of diplomats remained a top priority.

"I am not going to comment on the specifics, but I do want to reiterate that I have met with some of these diplomats and, as I said to them, their health and safety needs to be our priority and they have my true sympathy and concern," she said.

On January 30, Canada announced it had reduced its staffing at the embassy to about half as a result of the unexplained symptoms.

Canadian public broadcaster CBC said just eight officials would be left at the embassy.

Canadian diplomats who suffered from mysterious health complaints while they were posted to Cuba in 2017 are suing Ottawa for taking too long to evacuate them and provide them treatment, reports said Wednesday.

Canadian diplomats who suffered from mysterious health complaints while they were posted to Cuba in 2017 are suing Ottawa for taking too long to evacuate them and provide them treatment, reports said Wednesday. Fourteen people, including current and former diplomats and their families, are seeking $21 million in damages from the federal government. All of them have been back in Canada for a year but still suffer from what has become known as "Havana syndrome," a mystery illness with symptoms including strong migraines as well as visual and auditory disorders. According to CBC, which interviewed five of those affected, the first symptoms appeared in the spring of 2017 — but they say that Ottawa waited more than a year before helping everyone. Questioned on the subject on Wednesday while she was in Washington, foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said the safety of diplomats remained a top priority. "I am not going to comment on the specifics, but I do want to reiterate that I have met with some of these diplomats and, as I said to them, their health and safety needs to be our priority and they have my true sympathy and concern," she said. On January 30, Canada announced it had reduced its staffing at the embassy to about half as a result of the unexplained symptoms. Canadian public broadcaster CBC said just eight officials would be left at the embassy.

Canadian diplomats hit by mystery symptoms in Cuba sue Ottawa: Report

The number of people killed in the powerful tornado that ripped through part of Havana last week has risen to six, authorities said Sunday.&nbsp;

Public Health Minister Jose Angel Portal Miranda said in state media that "sadly, two people have died among the 13 who were in critical condition." The earlier death toll was four.

The storm which hit Havana area towns including Regla, Guanabacoa, San Miguel de Padron and 10 de Octubre late January 27, has been confirmed as an F4 storm, with F5 the strongest.&nbsp;

Its powerful winds overturned trees and homes and cars, and several areas a number of blocks wide were all but wiped off the map.

The number of people killed in the powerful tornado that ripped through part of Havana last week has risen to six, authorities said Sunday. Public Health Minister Jose Angel Portal Miranda said in state media that "sadly, two people have died among the 13 who were in critical condition.

The number of people killed in the powerful tornado that ripped through part of Havana last week has risen to six, authorities said Sunday. Public Health Minister Jose Angel Portal Miranda said in state media that "sadly, two people have died among the 13 who were in critical condition." The earlier death toll was four. The storm which hit Havana area towns including Regla, Guanabacoa, San Miguel de Padron and 10 de Octubre late January 27, has been confirmed as an F4 storm, with F5 the strongest. Its powerful winds overturned trees and homes and cars, and several areas a number of blocks wide were all but wiped off the map.

Death toll in Cuba tornado rises to six

Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

In a speech in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on the 60th anniversary of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the 87-year-old leader said that it is the duty of all Cubans to prepare themselves "meticulously for all scenarios, including the worst ... (and) not to leave room for uncertainty and improvisation."

"We will continue prioritizing the work of preparing (our) defense" with the aim of "preserving sovereignty and peace," said Castro, who served as Cuba's president from February 2008 until last April, when he handed over the office to his chosen successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Castro also expressed his "certainty" that the new Cuban Constitution that will be submitted to a popular referendum on February&nbsp;24 will receive "majority support" as the public demonstrates its backing for the "Revolution and socialism."

Cuba's National Assembly on December&nbsp;22 unanimously approved the new charter, which will replace the one in force since 1976 and will ratify the island's choice of communism as its governing model while simultaneously recognizing private property and foreign investment as necessary.

Castro headed the Constitutional Commission that prepared the document and said that the text of the document will begin to be distributed to the public for their perusal and comments "in a few days."

Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation.

Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation." In a speech in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on the 60th anniversary of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the 87-year-old leader said that it is the duty of all Cubans to prepare themselves "meticulously for all scenarios, including the worst ... (and) not to leave room for uncertainty and improvisation." "We will continue prioritizing the work of preparing (our) defense" with the aim of "preserving sovereignty and peace," said Castro, who served as Cuba's president from February 2008 until last April, when he handed over the office to his chosen successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel. Castro also expressed his "certainty" that the new Cuban Constitution that will be submitted to a popular referendum on February 24 will receive "majority support" as the public demonstrates its backing for the "Revolution and socialism." Cuba's National Assembly on December 22 unanimously approved the new charter, which will replace the one in force since 1976 and will ratify the island's choice of communism as its governing model while simultaneously recognizing private property and foreign investment as necessary. Castro headed the Constitutional Commission that prepared the document and said that the text of the document will begin to be distributed to the public for their perusal and comments "in a few days."

Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with US

Cuba, long a source of inspiration for leftist Latin American governments, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its revolution on Tuesday facing increasing isolation in a region dominated by a resurgent right.&nbsp;

The first such anniversary of the post-Castro era coincided with the inauguration in Brazil of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose recent election victory is one of several for right-wing governments across the region.

Bolsonaro, who had made a point of not inviting Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuela's Socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to his inauguration, unfolded his nation's green and yellow flag in Brasilia and proclaimed: "This is our flag, which will never be red."

Like Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru have all swung to the right in recent years, unseating leftist governments.

Maduro paid tribute to the "heroic Cuban people" in a tweet, lauding their "resistance and dignity" in the face of "60 years of sacrifices, struggles and blockade."

Another surviving leftist leader, Bolivia's Evo Morales, said Cuba's revolution gave birth to "the light of hope and invincible will for the liberation of the people."

The symbolic commemoration was set for late afternoon in the island's southeastern city of Santiago de Cuba, the so-called "cradle of the revolution."

Ex-president Raul Castro was slated to give the keynote speech at the tombs of national heroes Jose Marti and Fidel Castro.

For the first time since 1976, Cuba's president is not a Castro. Miguel Diaz-Canel, 58, took over in April as president from Raul Castro, who retains significant influence.

"Today the date is with Raul in Santiago," wrote Diaz-Canel on Twitter.&nbsp;

"The brave and noble people of Cuba" will be honored -- with Fidel, Raul and "all those who have fought, and fight, to keep the homeland free, sovereign and happy."&nbsp;

The streets of Santiago were adorned with flags and posters. In one, a vigorous Fidel raises a rifle next to Raul, with the legend "60 years of victories."

Concerts and dances were held across the island on New Year's Eve, and a 21-gun salute rang out across Havana Bay to usher in the anniversary of the revolution.

Diaz-Canel wasn't even born when Fidel Castro declared victory for his revolution on January 1, 1959.&nbsp;

US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista had fled the country earlier that day, opening the way for Castro to install a one-party communist system.

Last week, a defiant Diaz-Canel wrote on Twitter: "The Cuban revolution is invincible, it grows, it lasts."

But not everyone is convinced.

Dissident Vladimiro Roca, whose father Blas Roca served as a high-ranking official under Fidel Castro, insists that "the revolution died a long time ago."

Abroad, Cuba's government has faced heavy criticism for its authoritarian nature, intolerance of opposition and persecution of detractors. Vladimiro Roca was jailed from 1997 to 2002 for his protests.

And while US-Cuba relations thawed under Barack Obama, the Caribbean island of 11 million people has had to contend with an increasingly hostile administration under President Donald Trump these last two years.

Change is coming, though.

In February, the communist regime is to submit to referendum a new constitution that will officially recognize private property, markets and foreign investment.

However, the document also ratifies communism as the nation's "social goal," insists the country will "never" return to capitalism, and defines the Communist Party as by nature, single, and the "supreme political force of state and society."

'A new cycle'

Economic changes are coming as well. One deal, between Major League Baseball in the US and the Cuban Baseball Federation, will allow the island's top talents to sign multi-million dollar deals with MLB clubs.

"For sure, a new cycle is being opened. This cycle is continuity and change," academic Arturo Lopez-Levy, from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, told AFP.

That's not the view of Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.

"For now, it looks like Castrism without a Castro" in power, he said.

Vladimiro Roca, for his part, believes the revolution "will blow itself out" due to the indifference of the new generations and a lack of outside support.

Russia and China remain allies, but neither has shown willingness to subsidize the country's economy in the way the former Soviet Union did for 30 years.

Diaz-Canel has repeatedly said that the "most important battle is the economy," which has grown barely one percent in recent years, not enough to support its population.

Squaring the circle

For many Cubans, their hopes for an improved life depend "on whether they can work for themselves or emigrate," said Duany.

Once the world's primary exporter of sugar, Cuba recently had to import that commodity from France, while over the last few weeks, eggs, rice and flour have disappeared from supermarket aisles.

It leaves "Diaz-Canel and his team with the challenge of applying a contradictory policy," said Lopez-Levy.

The country is institutionalizing the revolution in a time of economic crisis, while the Communist Party creates a market economy allowing inhabitants to get rich in a society based on egalitarian principles.

"The challenge is to square the circle in order to avoid sinking," said Lopez-Levy.

It's not a hopeless dream, though, in a country that has resisted a US-led embargo since 1962 by showing "its ability to adapt, identifying and applying policies that manage to meet the challenges," he said.

&nbsp;

Cuba, long a source of inspiration for leftist Latin American governments, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its revolution on Tuesday facing increasing isolation in a region dominated by a resurgent right.

Cuba, long a source of inspiration for leftist Latin American governments, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its revolution on Tuesday facing increasing isolation in a region dominated by a resurgent right. The first such anniversary of the post-Castro era coincided with the inauguration in Brazil of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose recent election victory is one of several for right-wing governments across the region. Bolsonaro, who had made a point of not inviting Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuela's Socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to his inauguration, unfolded his nation's green and yellow flag in Brasilia and proclaimed: "This is our flag, which will never be red." Like Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru have all swung to the right in recent years, unseating leftist governments. Maduro paid tribute to the "heroic Cuban people" in a tweet, lauding their "resistance and dignity" in the face of "60 years of sacrifices, struggles and blockade." Another surviving leftist leader, Bolivia's Evo Morales, said Cuba's revolution gave birth to "the light of hope and invincible will for the liberation of the people." The symbolic commemoration was set for late afternoon in the island's southeastern city of Santiago de Cuba, the so-called "cradle of the revolution." Ex-president Raul Castro was slated to give the keynote speech at the tombs of national heroes Jose Marti and Fidel Castro. For the first time since 1976, Cuba's president is not a Castro. Miguel Diaz-Canel, 58, took over in April as president from Raul Castro, who retains significant influence. "Today the date is with Raul in Santiago," wrote Diaz-Canel on Twitter. "The brave and noble people of Cuba" will be honored -- with Fidel, Raul and "all those who have fought, and fight, to keep the homeland free, sovereign and happy." The streets of Santiago were adorned with flags and posters. In one, a vigorous Fidel raises a rifle next to Raul, with the legend "60 years of victories." Concerts and dances were held across the island on New Year's Eve, and a 21-gun salute rang out across Havana Bay to usher in the anniversary of the revolution. Diaz-Canel wasn't even born when Fidel Castro declared victory for his revolution on January 1, 1959. US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista had fled the country earlier that day, opening the way for Castro to install a one-party communist system. Last week, a defiant Diaz-Canel wrote on Twitter: "The Cuban revolution is invincible, it grows, it lasts." But not everyone is convinced. Dissident Vladimiro Roca, whose father Blas Roca served as a high-ranking official under Fidel Castro, insists that "the revolution died a long time ago." Abroad, Cuba's government has faced heavy criticism for its authoritarian nature, intolerance of opposition and persecution of detractors. Vladimiro Roca was jailed from 1997 to 2002 for his protests. And while US-Cuba relations thawed under Barack Obama, the Caribbean island of 11 million people has had to contend with an increasingly hostile administration under President Donald Trump these last two years. Change is coming, though. In February, the communist regime is to submit to referendum a new constitution that will officially recognize private property, markets and foreign investment. However, the document also ratifies communism as the nation's "social goal," insists the country will "never" return to capitalism, and defines the Communist Party as by nature, single, and the "supreme political force of state and society." 'A new cycle' Economic changes are coming as well. One deal, between Major League Baseball in the US and the Cuban Baseball Federation, will allow the island's top talents to sign multi-million dollar deals with MLB clubs. "For sure, a new cycle is being opened. This cycle is continuity and change," academic Arturo Lopez-Levy, from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, told AFP. That's not the view of Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. "For now, it looks like Castrism without a Castro" in power, he said. Vladimiro Roca, for his part, believes the revolution "will blow itself out" due to the indifference of the new generations and a lack of outside support. Russia and China remain allies, but neither has shown willingness to subsidize the country's economy in the way the former Soviet Union did for 30 years. Diaz-Canel has repeatedly said that the "most important battle is the economy," which has grown barely one percent in recent years, not enough to support its population. Squaring the circle For many Cubans, their hopes for an improved life depend "on whether they can work for themselves or emigrate," said Duany. Once the world's primary exporter of sugar, Cuba recently had to import that commodity from France, while over the last few weeks, eggs, rice and flour have disappeared from supermarket aisles. It leaves "Diaz-Canel and his team with the challenge of applying a contradictory policy," said Lopez-Levy. The country is institutionalizing the revolution in a time of economic crisis, while the Communist Party creates a market economy allowing inhabitants to get rich in a society based on egalitarian principles. "The challenge is to square the circle in order to avoid sinking," said Lopez-Levy. It's not a hopeless dream, though, in a country that has resisted a US-led embargo since 1962 by showing "its ability to adapt, identifying and applying policies that manage to meet the challenges," he said.

Cuba celebrates 60 years of revolution amid challenges and change

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cuba-defends-controversial-arts-decree-but-seeks-consensus-on-norms-182401">Cuba</a>'s government admitted on Friday that it won't be able to pay all its debt commitments in 2019, blaming Hurricane Irma and the United States sanctions for its woes.

"In 2019, we'll have less credit than the amount of debt we're planning to pay," said finance minister Alejandro Gil during a parliamentary session.

"There will be a level of debt that we won't be able to pay next year and this will affect the performance of the economy."

"There is a high level of debt in the economy that creates daily tensions."

"We've been looking for specific solutions but it's affecting the harmonious performance of the economy."

Gil insisted that Cuba's new loans would be marginally lower than the existing debts it will pay off, meaning that "we won't be increasing our level of debt."

Cuba recently defaulted on a part of its debt with Brazil and is behind in reimbursing another portion related to the construction of a port and purchase of food.

Havana blames these delays on the effects of Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in early September 2017, and a hardening US embargo that hinders its international financial transactions.

Cuba's government has said the economy grew by 1.2 per cent in 2018.

Cuba's government admitted on Friday that it won't be able to pay all its debt commitments in 2019, blaming Hurricane Irma and the United States sanctions for its woes.

Cuba's government admitted on Friday that it won't be able to pay all its debt commitments in 2019, blaming Hurricane Irma and the United States sanctions for its woes. "In 2019, we'll have less credit than the amount of debt we're planning to pay," said finance minister Alejandro Gil during a parliamentary session. "There will be a level of debt that we won't be able to pay next year and this will affect the performance of the economy." "There is a high level of debt in the economy that creates daily tensions." "We've been looking for specific solutions but it's affecting the harmonious performance of the economy." Gil insisted that Cuba's new loans would be marginally lower than the existing debts it will pay off, meaning that "we won't be increasing our level of debt." Cuba recently defaulted on a part of its debt with Brazil and is behind in reimbursing another portion related to the construction of a port and purchase of food. Havana blames these delays on the effects of Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in early September 2017, and a hardening US embargo that hinders its international financial transactions. Cuba's government has said the economy grew by 1.2 per cent in 2018.

Cuba says unable to pay off debt commitments in 2019

Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

It was a surprising twist given public popular support has shown nationwide -- and earlier remarks from lawmakers in the Americas' only one-party Communist regime.

The measure would have changed the definition of parties in marriage from man and wife to "between two people."

But "the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cubans-to-join-public-debate-on-new-constitution-recognizing-private-enterprise-158996">draft constitution </a>will not define which parties enter into a marriage... So that is now out of constitutional reform discussions overall," Council of State secretary and drafting coordinator Homero Acosta was quoted as saying by state media.

The full draft constitution was put before neighbourhood and workplace assemblies for debate between August and November. The marriage issue was the one that drew the greatest attention.

"Article 68 was the one most discussed by the people in the popular consultation, in 66 per cent of the meetings (of citizen debate). Of the 192,408 opinions, 158,376 propose replacing the measure now in force with the one proposed," Cuba's National Assembly said on Twitter.&nbsp;

In light of that, "the (text-drafting) Committee proposes deferring the definition of marriage to the draft constitution, as a way to respect all opinions."

Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday.

Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday. It was a surprising twist given public popular support has shown nationwide -- and earlier remarks from lawmakers in the Americas' only one-party Communist regime. The measure would have changed the definition of parties in marriage from man and wife to "between two people." But "the draft constitution will not define which parties enter into a marriage... So that is now out of constitutional reform discussions overall," Council of State secretary and drafting coordinator Homero Acosta was quoted as saying by state media. The full draft constitution was put before neighbourhood and workplace assemblies for debate between August and November. The marriage issue was the one that drew the greatest attention. "Article 68 was the one most discussed by the people in the popular consultation, in 66 per cent of the meetings (of citizen debate). Of the 192,408 opinions, 158,376 propose replacing the measure now in force with the one proposed," Cuba's National Assembly said on Twitter. In light of that, "the (text-drafting) Committee proposes deferring the definition of marriage to the draft constitution, as a way to respect all opinions."

Cuba eliminates gay marriage from new constitution

Cubans will be able to access the internet on their mobile phones from Thursday, state-run telecoms monopoly ETECSA said, marking a milestone for what has long been one of the Western Hemisphere`s least connected countries.

Nearly half of the Communist-run country's 11.2 million residents have cellphones although not all will be able to afford mobile internet.

In a news show broadcast late on Tuesday, ETECSA executives announced a range of packages valid for 30 days from 600 MB for the equivalent of $7 dollars to 4 GB for $30. Without a package, 100 MB will cost users $10.

The cost will be out of reach for many Cubans as the average state wage is around $30 per month, and many people rely on remittances from relatives abroad or side gigs to get by.

"It was about time this became a possibility for Cubans too," said Havana resident Joaquin Montiel, 58. "But for some, like me, it`s still a remote one."

Montiel said he would not be able to afford a cellphone with 3G technology on his wage of less than $20 per month as a salesman in a state company.

Cuba has lagged far behind most countries in Web access, whether because of a lack of cash, a long-running U.S. trade embargo or concerns about the flow of information.

Until 2013, internet was largely only available to the public at tourist hotels on the island.

But the government has since made boosting connectivity a priority, introducing cybercafes and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots and slowly starting to hook up homes to the Web.

"It will be good to be able to connect to the web with greater comfort," said Guillermo Diaz, 38, who frequently heads to his a Wi-Fi hotspot in a park near his home in order to videochat with family who emigrated to the United States.

Many Cubans complain about having to brave insects and the elements at the hotspots, which also lack of privacy.

Tania Velázquez, ETECSA Vice President, said the company would be rolling out the service over several days in order to avoid the network congestion that occurred during mobile internet testing earlier this year.

Many Cubans complained they could not use their cellphones for making calls or sending text messages during the tests.

"The quality of service will be a key factor during the rollout of mobile internet," said Norges Rodriguez, one of the editors of YucaByte, a Cuban media outlet on telecoms and their impact on society.

Velázquez announced that access to state-run applications and websites like Ecured, a Cuban Wikipedia, would be significantly cheaper than access to the World Wide Web.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who succeeded Raul Castro in April, has championed greater connectivity, underscoring the potential for the internet to boost the economy and enable Cuba to better defend its revolution online.

He opened a Twitter account in October to much fanfare, and many government officials have followed his lead.

Cubans will be able to access the internet on their mobile phones from Thursday, state-run telecoms monopoly ETECSA said, marking a milestone for what has long been one of the Western Hemisphere`s least connected countries.

Cubans will be able to access the internet on their mobile phones from Thursday, state-run telecoms monopoly ETECSA said, marking a milestone for what has long been one of the Western Hemisphere`s least connected countries. Nearly half of the Communist-run country's 11.2 million residents have cellphones although not all will be able to afford mobile internet. In a news show broadcast late on Tuesday, ETECSA executives announced a range of packages valid for 30 days from 600 MB for the equivalent of $7 dollars to 4 GB for $30. Without a package, 100 MB will cost users $10. The cost will be out of reach for many Cubans as the average state wage is around $30 per month, and many people rely on remittances from relatives abroad or side gigs to get by. "It was about time this became a possibility for Cubans too," said Havana resident Joaquin Montiel, 58. "But for some, like me, it`s still a remote one." Montiel said he would not be able to afford a cellphone with 3G technology on his wage of less than $20 per month as a salesman in a state company. Cuba has lagged far behind most countries in Web access, whether because of a lack of cash, a long-running U.S. trade embargo or concerns about the flow of information. Until 2013, internet was largely only available to the public at tourist hotels on the island. But the government has since made boosting connectivity a priority, introducing cybercafes and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots and slowly starting to hook up homes to the Web. "It will be good to be able to connect to the web with greater comfort," said Guillermo Diaz, 38, who frequently heads to his a Wi-Fi hotspot in a park near his home in order to videochat with family who emigrated to the United States. Many Cubans complain about having to brave insects and the elements at the hotspots, which also lack of privacy. Tania Velázquez, ETECSA Vice President, said the company would be rolling out the service over several days in order to avoid the network congestion that occurred during mobile internet testing earlier this year. Many Cubans complained they could not use their cellphones for making calls or sending text messages during the tests. "The quality of service will be a key factor during the rollout of mobile internet," said Norges Rodriguez, one of the editors of YucaByte, a Cuban media outlet on telecoms and their impact on society. Velázquez announced that access to state-run applications and websites like Ecured, a Cuban Wikipedia, would be significantly cheaper than access to the World Wide Web. President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who succeeded Raul Castro in April, has championed greater connectivity, underscoring the potential for the internet to boost the economy and enable Cuba to better defend its revolution online. He opened a Twitter account in October to much fanfare, and many government officials have followed his lead.

Cuba launching internet on cellphones

Hollywood star Will Smith runs Havana marathon in Cuba

The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for an end to the decades-old US embargo on Cuba, adopting a resolution by an overwhelming majority and rejecting US moves to criticize Havana's human rights record.

It was the 27th time that the 193-nation assembly has issued the call to lift the embargo imposed in 1962.

The resolution presented by Cuba was adopted by a vote of 189 to 2 with no abstentions. The US and its ally Israel voted against while Ukraine and Moldova did not vote.

The United States failed to win support for eight amendments criticizing Cuba's human rights record. The US, Israel and Ukraine voted in favor of those amendments. The Marshall Islands joined them in one vote.

President Donald Trump's administration points to Cuba's repression of political opponents and curbs of freedom of expression as a reason for maintaining the economic embargo.

Taking the podium, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez slammed the Trump administration as a "government of millionaires that imposes cruel policies", citing the US treatment of migrant children separated at the border with Mexico and "locked in cages."

"The US government does not have the least moral authority for criticizing Cuba or anyone else with regards to human rights," said the foreign minister.

Rodriguez argued that the embargo was a "flagrant, massive and systematic violation" of human rights in Cuba, notably by denying access to US-produced medicines and medical technology.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the vote on the US embargo, which has been an annual exercise since 1992, as a "waste of everyone's time" because it did not address Cuba's human rights situation.

"It's one more time that countries feel they can poke the United States in the eye," Haley said of the vote.

"But you're not hurting the US when you do this. You are literally hurting the Cuban people by telling the regime that their treatment of their people is acceptable."

Last year, the resolution calling for an end to the embargo was adopted by a vote of 191 to 2. The United States and Israel were the only two countries that voted "no".

That vote took place after Washington for the first time abstained in the vote in 2016 as former president Barack Obama pursued a thaw in relations with Havana.

Ties between Cuba and the US have been in decline under Trump, who has rejected the previous administration's moves to improve ties with Havana.

The resolution is non-binding but carries political weight.

The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for an end to the decades-old US embargo on Cuba, adopting a resolution by an overwhelming majority and rejecting US moves to criticize Havana's human rights record.

The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for an end to the decades-old US embargo on Cuba, adopting a resolution by an overwhelming majority and rejecting US moves to criticize Havana's human rights record. It was the 27th time that the 193-nation assembly has issued the call to lift the embargo imposed in 1962. The resolution presented by Cuba was adopted by a vote of 189 to 2 with no abstentions. The US and its ally Israel voted against while Ukraine and Moldova did not vote. The United States failed to win support for eight amendments criticizing Cuba's human rights record. The US, Israel and Ukraine voted in favor of those amendments. The Marshall Islands joined them in one vote. President Donald Trump's administration points to Cuba's repression of political opponents and curbs of freedom of expression as a reason for maintaining the economic embargo. Taking the podium, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez slammed the Trump administration as a "government of millionaires that imposes cruel policies", citing the US treatment of migrant children separated at the border with Mexico and "locked in cages." "The US government does not have the least moral authority for criticizing Cuba or anyone else with regards to human rights," said the foreign minister. Rodriguez argued that the embargo was a "flagrant, massive and systematic violation" of human rights in Cuba, notably by denying access to US-produced medicines and medical technology. US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the vote on the US embargo, which has been an annual exercise since 1992, as a "waste of everyone's time" because it did not address Cuba's human rights situation. "It's one more time that countries feel they can poke the United States in the eye," Haley said of the vote. "But you're not hurting the US when you do this. You are literally hurting the Cuban people by telling the regime that their treatment of their people is acceptable." Last year, the resolution calling for an end to the embargo was adopted by a vote of 191 to 2. The United States and Israel were the only two countries that voted "no". That vote took place after Washington for the first time abstained in the vote in 2016 as former president Barack Obama pursued a thaw in relations with Havana. Ties between Cuba and the US have been in decline under Trump, who has rejected the previous administration's moves to improve ties with Havana. The resolution is non-binding but carries political weight.

United Nations General Assembly calls for end to decades-old US economic embargo on Cuba

The US State Department today issued a <a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-says-no-clue-on-mystery-illness-striking-us-diplomats-142906">health warning in China after recalling several diplomats </a>over mysterious illness&nbsp;that has already hit US diplomats in Cuba.

The warning issued this time was for the<a href="http://wionews.com/world/diplomats-brought-back-from-china-due-to-mystery-illness-us-142708"> entire Chinese region after a previous</a> warning last month had mentioned China's southern city of Guangzhou.

"The State Department received medical confirmation that a US government employee in China suffered a medical incident consistent with what other US government personnel experienced in Havana, Cuba," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

On Wednesday, the US had called back several diplomats in China after they "suffered a medical incident". The US government also deployed a team in the consulate to screen employees and family members of diplomats.

Apart from Beijing, the US has consulates in other Chinese cities namely Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan.

The statement by Pompeo warned of &nbsp;"unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena", and said symptoms included dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints, hearing loss and sleeping difficulty.

China's foreign office spokesman&nbsp;Hua Chunying said the US government had not made any formal communication on new cases, adding that it had investigated other cases and found no clues.

Last year, 24 US government employees and family members in Cuba displayed systems which suggested concussion and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

China's foreign office spokesman Hua Chunying the US government had not made any formal communication on new cases

The US State Department today issued a health warning in China after recalling several diplomats over mysterious illness that has already hit US diplomats in Cuba. The warning issued this time was for the entire Chinese region after a previous warning last month had mentioned China's southern city of Guangzhou. "The State Department received medical confirmation that a US government employee in China suffered a medical incident consistent with what other US government personnel experienced in Havana, Cuba," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. On Wednesday, the US had called back several diplomats in China after they "suffered a medical incident". The US government also deployed a team in the consulate to screen employees and family members of diplomats. Apart from Beijing, the US has consulates in other Chinese cities namely Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan. The statement by Pompeo warned of "unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena", and said symptoms included dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints, hearing loss and sleeping difficulty. China's foreign office spokesman Hua Chunying said the US government had not made any formal communication on new cases, adding that it had investigated other cases and found no clues. Last year, 24 US government employees and family members in Cuba displayed systems which suggested concussion and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

US issues health warning in China after diplomats hit with mystery illness

In response to the reports of US diplomats getting sick from a mysterious disease, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that it has conducted an investigation and "found no cause or clues" regarding the reports.

She said, "relevant authorities of China have conducted investigations and given the feedback to the US. We haven't found the cause or the clues that led to the situation mentioned by the US".&nbsp;

While speaking in a regular media briefing, she informed that it has conducted an invetigation after the first case came out.

The United States state department on Thursday evacuated a group of diplomats back to the US from Guangzhou, China over concerns that they are suffering from a mysterious illness similar to the report of a personnel suffering in Cuba. which according to reports resembles brain injury.

After confirming one government employee had "suffered a medical incident" in the southern Chinese city, the department deployed a team to screen employees and family members at its consulate there, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

"As a result of the screening process so far, the department has sent a number of individuals for further evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and findings in the United States," Nauert said.

"Medical professionals will continue to conduct full evaluations to determine the cause of the reported symptoms and whether the findings are consistent with those noted in previously affected government personnel or possibly completely unrelated," she said.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans who fell ill after hearing strange noises in China.

Last year, 24 US&nbsp;government employees and family members in Cuba displayed the symptoms, which were similar to those related to concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/diplomats-brought-back-from-china-due-to-mystery-illness-us-142708">Diplomats brought back from China due to mystery illness: US</a>

(With inputs from Reuters)

Hua Chunying said, 'we haven't found the cause or the clues that led to the situation mentioned by the US'

In response to the reports of US diplomats getting sick from a mysterious disease, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that it has conducted an investigation and "found no cause or clues" regarding the reports. She said, "relevant authorities of China have conducted investigations and given the feedback to the US. We haven't found the cause or the clues that led to the situation mentioned by the US". While speaking in a regular media briefing, she informed that it has conducted an invetigation after the first case came out. The United States state department on Thursday evacuated a group of diplomats back to the US from Guangzhou, China over concerns that they are suffering from a mysterious illness similar to the report of a personnel suffering in Cuba. which according to reports resembles brain injury. After confirming one government employee had "suffered a medical incident" in the southern Chinese city, the department deployed a team to screen employees and family members at its consulate there, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "As a result of the screening process so far, the department has sent a number of individuals for further evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and findings in the United States," Nauert said. "Medical professionals will continue to conduct full evaluations to determine the cause of the reported symptoms and whether the findings are consistent with those noted in previously affected government personnel or possibly completely unrelated," she said. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans who fell ill after hearing strange noises in China. Last year, 24 US government employees and family members in Cuba displayed the symptoms, which were similar to those related to concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department. Also read: Diplomats brought back from China due to mystery illness: US (With inputs from Reuters)

China says 'no clue' on mystery illness striking US diplomats

Storm Alberto lashed the western Cuban region of Artemisa on Sunday, swelling a nearby river and dumping up to 12 cm of rain in less than eight hours.

According to local media, some families were evacuated but the rain and flooding were quick to hit. Central regions of Cuba like Villa Clara were also affected.

Subtropical Storm Alberto is driving north through the Gulf of Mexico, threatening heavy rains and winds to the US&nbspsouthern coastal states.

Alberto, the first named Atlantic storm of 2018 which spun up days before the formal start of the 2018 hurricane season, is expected to intensify and bring wind speeds of up to 105 kph (65 mph) to the Gulf Coast when it approaches near the US&nbspon Monday, the National Weather Service said.

According to local media, some families were evacuated but the rain and flooding were quick to hit

Storm Alberto lashed the western Cuban region of Artemisa on Sunday, swelling a nearby river and dumping up to 12 cm of rain in less than eight hours. According to local media, some families were evacuated but the rain and flooding were quick to hit. Central regions of Cuba like Villa Clara were also affected. Subtropical Storm Alberto is driving north through the Gulf of Mexico, threatening heavy rains and winds to the US&nbspsouthern coastal states. Alberto, the first named Atlantic storm of 2018 which spun up days before the formal start of the 2018 hurricane season, is expected to intensify and bring wind speeds of up to 105 kph (65 mph) to the Gulf Coast when it approaches near the US&nbspon Monday, the National Weather Service said.

Storm Alberto drenches Cuba on the way to the USA

After heavy floods in Cuba, US and Oman it has now been reported that Britan has now been hit by flash floods with forecasters announcing 'danger to life.'

More than 20 warnings have been given for the Midlands region as huge storms made their way. A prominent route in Birmingham was filled with water up to 5ft deep while&nbsp;homes were flooded and cars submerged in water in other areas.&nbsp;

Also, Highways England was forced to close a stretch of the M5 between Halesowen and Oldbury which had become flooded. Other places hit included&nbsp;eastbound Hagley Road in the Bearwood area, Harborne area of Birmingham.&nbsp;

There are high levels of floodwater and Highways England is working to re-open the road as soon as possible.

As per reports, warnings of rain and thunderstorms are in place this afternoon for East Anglia, London and the South East and the South West.

A total of 42 flood alerts were also issued for other areas, urging residents to be prepared for the possibility of flooding.

Meanwhile, as per reports temperatures could hit highs of 28C or 29C in the region.

Earlier, heavy rains and flooding made streets in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-ellicott-city-declared-on-state-of-emergency-due-to-massive-flooding-140225">Ellicott City, Maryland</a> look like a river. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/storm-alberto-drenches-cuba-on-the-way-to-the-usa-140208">Storm Alberto</a> lashed the western Cuban region of Artemisia on Sunday, swelling a nearby river and dumping up to 12 cm of rain in less than eight hours.

The Environment Agency has more than 20 flood warnings and more than 40 flood alerts in place covering much of Central Englan

After heavy floods in Cuba, US and Oman it has now been reported that Britan has now been hit by flash floods with forecasters announcing 'danger to life.' More than 20 warnings have been given for the Midlands region as huge storms made their way. A prominent route in Birmingham was filled with water up to 5ft deep while homes were flooded and cars submerged in water in other areas. Also, Highways England was forced to close a stretch of the M5 between Halesowen and Oldbury which had become flooded. Other places hit included eastbound Hagley Road in the Bearwood area, Harborne area of Birmingham. There are high levels of floodwater and Highways England is working to re-open the road as soon as possible. As per reports, warnings of rain and thunderstorms are in place this afternoon for East Anglia, London and the South East and the South West. A total of 42 flood alerts were also issued for other areas, urging residents to be prepared for the possibility of flooding. Meanwhile, as per reports temperatures could hit highs of 28C or 29C in the region. Earlier, heavy rains and flooding made streets in Ellicott City, Maryland look like a river. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency. Storm Alberto lashed the western Cuban region of Artemisia on Sunday, swelling a nearby river and dumping up to 12 cm of rain in less than eight hours.

Flash floods now hit UK after Cuba, US, Oman, forecasters announce 'danger to life'

&nbspAn American citizen working at a U.S. consulate in China has reported suffering from "abnormal" sounds and pressure leading to a mild brain injury, the U.S. embassy said&nbspon Wednesday&nbspand China said it was investigating the incident.

The embassy, which issued a health alert to Americans living in China, said it could not link the case to health problems suffered by U.S. government staff in Cuba dating back to late 2016.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was concerned about the "serious medical incident" and raised it with China's visiting State Councillor Wang Yi.

"We notified China of what took place as best we know it and they have responded in a way that is exactly the right response," Pompeo told a news conference with Wang.

"We're working together to resolve (this) ... I hope we can figure it out," Pompeo said.

Earlier, he told Congress that the incident in China was "medically similar" to one suffered by U.S. diplomats in Cuba.

Wang, speaking through a translator, said Beijing was investigating the incident, adding "we haven't found any organization or individual has carried out such a sonic influence."

"We don't want to see that this individual case will be magnified, complicated or even politicized. We hope people will not associate it with other unnecessary matters," he cautioned.

The unnamed U.S. citizen assigned to the consulate in the southern city of Guangzhou had reported various "physical symptoms" dating from late 2017 to April this year, the U.S. embassy in Beijing said in an email.

The worker was sent to the United States for further evaluation. "The clinical findings of this evaluation matched mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)," the embassy said.

Pompeo said medical teams were heading to Guangzhou to investigate the incident.

The U.S. government&nbspon Wednesday&nbspissued a health alert to Americans in China, warning them about what it described as "subtle and vague, but abnormal, sensations of sound and pressure".

"While in China, if you experience any unusual acute auditory or sensory phenomena accompanied by unusual sounds or piercing noises, do not attempt to locate their source. Instead, move to a location where the sounds are not present," the emailed alert said.

China's nationalistic Global Times tabloid said in a commentary late&nbspon Wednesday&nbspthat it was "very inappropriate" that the United States issued a public health alert despite only having a "vague understanding" of the situation.

It said it was "inconceivable" that China would carry out targeted attacks on the health of foreign diplomats.

"We firmly believe that there is not much possibility of any 'background' to the American consulate official's 'brain injury'," it said.

The U.S. government in October expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the United States for what it said was Cuba's failure to protect staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana from mysterious health incidents at one point thought to possibly have been acoustic "attacks".

The staff there reported symptoms including hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues, though Cuban officials dismissed the idea of acoustic strikes as "science fiction" and accused Washington of slander.

The cause of those incidents remains unresolved.

The Canadian government in April said it would remove families of diplomats posted to Cuba after Canadian personnel there in 2017 also reported similar health symptoms.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was concerned about the "serious medical incident" and raised it with China's visiting State Councillor Wang Yi.

&nbspAn American citizen working at a U.S. consulate in China has reported suffering from "abnormal" sounds and pressure leading to a mild brain injury, the U.S. embassy said&nbspon Wednesday&nbspand China said it was investigating the incident. The embassy, which issued a health alert to Americans living in China, said it could not link the case to health problems suffered by U.S. government staff in Cuba dating back to late 2016. In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was concerned about the "serious medical incident" and raised it with China's visiting State Councillor Wang Yi. "We notified China of what took place as best we know it and they have responded in a way that is exactly the right response," Pompeo told a news conference with Wang. "We're working together to resolve (this) ... I hope we can figure it out," Pompeo said. Earlier, he told Congress that the incident in China was "medically similar" to one suffered by U.S. diplomats in Cuba. Wang, speaking through a translator, said Beijing was investigating the incident, adding "we haven't found any organization or individual has carried out such a sonic influence." "We don't want to see that this individual case will be magnified, complicated or even politicized. We hope people will not associate it with other unnecessary matters," he cautioned. The unnamed U.S. citizen assigned to the consulate in the southern city of Guangzhou had reported various "physical symptoms" dating from late 2017 to April this year, the U.S. embassy in Beijing said in an email. The worker was sent to the United States for further evaluation. "The clinical findings of this evaluation matched mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)," the embassy said. Pompeo said medical teams were heading to Guangzhou to investigate the incident. The U.S. government&nbspon Wednesday&nbspissued a health alert to Americans in China, warning them about what it described as "subtle and vague, but abnormal, sensations of sound and pressure". "While in China, if you experience any unusual acute auditory or sensory phenomena accompanied by unusual sounds or piercing noises, do not attempt to locate their source. Instead, move to a location where the sounds are not present," the emailed alert said. China's nationalistic Global Times tabloid said in a commentary late&nbspon Wednesday&nbspthat it was "very inappropriate" that the United States issued a public health alert despite only having a "vague understanding" of the situation. It said it was "inconceivable" that China would carry out targeted attacks on the health of foreign diplomats. "We firmly believe that there is not much possibility of any 'background' to the American consulate official's 'brain injury'," it said. The U.S. government in October expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the United States for what it said was Cuba's failure to protect staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana from mysterious health incidents at one point thought to possibly have been acoustic "attacks". The staff there reported symptoms including hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues, though Cuban officials dismissed the idea of acoustic strikes as "science fiction" and accused Washington of slander. The cause of those incidents remains unresolved. The Canadian government in April said it would remove families of diplomats posted to Cuba after Canadian personnel there in 2017 also reported similar health symptoms.

Mystery 'sonic influence' in China prompts U.S. warning to citizens

The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline.

Grettel Landrove, a 23-year old Cuban student who loved to dance flamenco, died in a Havana hospital from "severe traumatic lesions", Cuban state-run media reported.

Two Cuban women remained in critical condition due to burns and other trauma, with a high risk of complications, media reports said. Their progress is being closely followed by many Cubans through regular hospital updates.

The airliner crashed shortly after takeoff on a domestic flight from Havana to the eastern city of Holguin on Friday in one of Cuba's worst air disasters.

The accident has killed 100 Cubans, 7 Mexicans, two Argentines and two Sahrawis from a disputed area in Western Sahara known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

The plane was a Boeing 737 built in 1979 and leased to Cuba's flagship carrier Cubana by a little-known Mexican company Damojh.

Mexico's civil aviation authority said on Monday it had temporarily suspended Damojh's operations while it made sure the firm adhered to regulations and gathered information to help investigators find the cause of the crash.

Damojh, which owned three 737s before the accident, has been suspended twice before during regulatory compliance reviews, the authority said.

Operations were halted for about a month in 2010 after a Damojh plane made an emergency landing in the Mexican beach resort of Puerto Vallarta due to a problem with its landing gear.

The authority investigated again in 2013 after receiving a complaint from Marco Aurelio Hernandez, who was identified on the weekend by Mexican media as a former Damojh pilot.

Hernandez was quoted by Mexican newspaper Milenio as criticizing Damojh for a lack of adequate maintenance on its planes.

The 2013 probe led to a suspension for about two months.

Most aircraft accidents take months to investigate. Cuban investigators have so far recovered the cockpit voice recorder and are still looking for the flight data recorder.

Cuba will lead the probe, with the aid of Mexican and US&nbsp;investigators, Cuban state-run media said. It will receive technical assistance from Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, part of US-based industrial group United Technologies, which manufactured the engines of the plane that crashed.

Friday's crash was the worst in Cuba since a Soviet-built Ilyushin-62M passenger plane came down near Havana in 1989, killing all 126 people on board and another 14 on the ground.

Most aircraft accidents take months to investigate. Cuban investigators have so far recovered the cockpit voice recorder and are still looking for the flight data recorder

The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline. Grettel Landrove, a 23-year old Cuban student who loved to dance flamenco, died in a Havana hospital from "severe traumatic lesions", Cuban state-run media reported. Two Cuban women remained in critical condition due to burns and other trauma, with a high risk of complications, media reports said. Their progress is being closely followed by many Cubans through regular hospital updates. The airliner crashed shortly after takeoff on a domestic flight from Havana to the eastern city of Holguin on Friday in one of Cuba's worst air disasters. The accident has killed 100 Cubans, 7 Mexicans, two Argentines and two Sahrawis from a disputed area in Western Sahara known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The plane was a Boeing 737 built in 1979 and leased to Cuba's flagship carrier Cubana by a little-known Mexican company Damojh. Mexico's civil aviation authority said on Monday it had temporarily suspended Damojh's operations while it made sure the firm adhered to regulations and gathered information to help investigators find the cause of the crash. Damojh, which owned three 737s before the accident, has been suspended twice before during regulatory compliance reviews, the authority said. Operations were halted for about a month in 2010 after a Damojh plane made an emergency landing in the Mexican beach resort of Puerto Vallarta due to a problem with its landing gear. The authority investigated again in 2013 after receiving a complaint from Marco Aurelio Hernandez, who was identified on the weekend by Mexican media as a former Damojh pilot. Hernandez was quoted by Mexican newspaper Milenio as criticizing Damojh for a lack of adequate maintenance on its planes. The 2013 probe led to a suspension for about two months. Most aircraft accidents take months to investigate. Cuban investigators have so far recovered the cockpit voice recorder and are still looking for the flight data recorder. Cuba will lead the probe, with the aid of Mexican and US investigators, Cuban state-run media said. It will receive technical assistance from Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, part of US-based industrial group United Technologies, which manufactured the engines of the plane that crashed. Friday's crash was the worst in Cuba since a Soviet-built Ilyushin-62M passenger plane came down near Havana in 1989, killing all 126 people on board and another 14 on the ground.

Cuba plane crash: Death toll rises to 111, Mexico suspends lease company

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-plane-crashes-in-cuba-killing-more-than-100-people-138046">Passenger plane crashes in Cuba, killing more than 100 people</a>

More than 100 people were killed in a fiery crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba on Friday, with just three seriously injured survivors in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, officials and state media said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ten-dead-in-texas-school-shooting-student-arrested-138048">Ten dead in Texas school shooting, student arrested</a>

Ten people, mostly students, were killed in a deadly attack when a 17-year-old fellow student opened fire at his Texas High school on Friday.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-mlas-head-back-to-bengaluru-for-floor-test-today-138058">JD(S), Congress MLAs arrive in Bengaluru for floor test today</a>

Newly-elected JD(S) and Congress lawmakers from Karnataka, who had been camping in two hotels in Hyderabad to avoid any poaching bids, arrived in Bengaluru today&nbspfor the crucial floor test in the state assembly.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-floor-test-in-karnataka-section-144-imposed-in-mangalore--138055">Ahead of floor test in Karnataka, section 144 imposed in Mangalore</a>

To avoid any kind of mishap in Karnataka ahead of the floor test, the&nbspadministration has imposed Section 144 in the state's Mangalore city.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-india's-longest-road-tunnel-in-j&k-today-138056#photo-138050">PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest road tunnel in J&K today</a>

Zojila tunnel will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-kishanganga-hydroelectricity-plant-that-was-once-halted-by-pakistan-138063">J&K: PM Modi to inaugurate Kishanganga Hydroelectricity plant that was once halted by Pakistan</a>

PM Modi will inaugurate&nbspKishanganga Hydroelectric Plant, the Megawatt hydroelectricity project&nbspin Jammu and Kashmir today.&nbsp

Passenger plane crashes in Cuba, killing more than 100 people More than 100 people were killed in a fiery crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba on Friday, with just three seriously injured survivors in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, officials and state media said. Ten dead in Texas school shooting, student arrested Ten people, mostly students, were killed in a deadly attack when a 17-year-old fellow student opened fire at his Texas High school on Friday. JD(S), Congress MLAs arrive in Bengaluru for floor test today Newly-elected JD(S) and Congress lawmakers from Karnataka, who had been camping in two hotels in Hyderabad to avoid any poaching bids, arrived in Bengaluru today&nbspfor the crucial floor test in the state assembly. Ahead of floor test in Karnataka, section 144 imposed in Mangalore To avoid any kind of mishap in Karnataka ahead of the floor test, the&nbspadministration has imposed Section 144 in the state's Mangalore city. PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest road tunnel in J&K today Zojila tunnel will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh J&K: PM Modi to inaugurate Kishanganga Hydroelectricity plant that was once halted by Pakistan PM Modi will inaugurate&nbspKishanganga Hydroelectric Plant, the Megawatt hydroelectricity project&nbspin Jammu and Kashmir today.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Cuba began two days of national mourning Saturday for victims of the crash of a state airways plane that killed all but three of its 110 passengers and crew.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel said an investigation was underway into Friday's crash of the nearly 40-year-old Boeing 737, leased to the national carrier Cubana de Aviacion by a Mexican company.

Three women pulled alive from the mangled wreckage are the only known survivors.&nbsp

The Boeing crashed shortly after taking off from Jose Marti airport, coming down in a field near the airport and sending a thick column of acrid smoke into the air.

The mourning period is to last from dawn on Saturday to midnight on Sunday, the Communist Party leader and former president Raul Castro said. Flags are to be flown at half-mast throughout the country.

The plane was on an internal flight from Havana to the eastern city of Holguin. Most of the passengers were Cuban, with five foreigners, including two Argentines, among them.

The plane -- carrying 104 passengers -- was almost completely destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire. Firefighters raced to the scene to put out the blaze along with a fleet of ambulances to assist any survivors.

What appeared to be one of the wings of the plane was wedged among scorched tree trunks, but the main fuselage was almost entirely destroyed.

Built in 1979, the plane was leased from a small Mexican company, Global Air, also known as Aerolineas Damoj.

Mexico said it was sending two civil aviation specialists to help in the investigation. The six crew members were Mexican nationals.

Boeing issued a statement saying that a "technical team stands ready to assist" and offering condolences to friends and relatives of the victims.

The 58-year-old Diaz-Canel, who succeeded Castro as the communist island's leader only last month, appeared aghast as he surveyed the recovery efforts, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and surrounded by officials.

Castro sent his condolences to families bereaved in the "catastrophic accident," a statement read, as Russian President Vladimir Putin and a string of Latin American leaders also expressed sympathy.

Pope Francis asked the church in Cuba to convey condolences to families "who mourn the unexpected disappearance of loved ones."

The explosion shook everything

The plane took off from Havana at 12:08 pm (1608 GMT) Friday heading for Holguin, 670 kilometers (415 miles) to the east.

From the supermarket where he works near the airport, Jose Luis, 49, said he could see the plane taking off before it banked and plunged to the ground.

"I saw it taking off. All of a sudden, it made a turn, and went down. We were all amazed," he said.

Yasniel Diaz, a 21-year-old musician, said the pilot appeared to attempt an emergency landing, but crashed instead.

"The explosion shook everything," he said.

"I started running, I was so afraid."

President Miguel Diaz-Canel said an investigation was underway into Friday's crash of the nearly 40-year-old Boeing 737, leased to the national carrier Cubana de Aviacion by a Mexican company

Cuba began two days of national mourning Saturday for victims of the crash of a state airways plane that killed all but three of its 110 passengers and crew. President Miguel Diaz-Canel said an investigation was underway into Friday's crash of the nearly 40-year-old Boeing 737, leased to the national carrier Cubana de Aviacion by a Mexican company. Three women pulled alive from the mangled wreckage are the only known survivors. The Boeing crashed shortly after taking off from Jose Marti airport, coming down in a field near the airport and sending a thick column of acrid smoke into the air. The mourning period is to last from dawn on Saturday to midnight on Sunday, the Communist Party leader and former president Raul Castro said. Flags are to be flown at half-mast throughout the country. The plane was on an internal flight from Havana to the eastern city of Holguin. Most of the passengers were Cuban, with five foreigners, including two Argentines, among them. The plane -- carrying 104 passengers -- was almost completely destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire. Firefighters raced to the scene to put out the blaze along with a fleet of ambulances to assist any survivors. What appeared to be one of the wings of the plane was wedged among scorched tree trunks, but the main fuselage was almost entirely destroyed. Built in 1979, the plane was leased from a small Mexican company, Global Air, also known as Aerolineas Damoj. Mexico said it was sending two civil aviation specialists to help in the investigation. The six crew members were Mexican nationals. Boeing issued a statement saying that a "technical team stands ready to assist" and offering condolences to friends and relatives of the victims. The 58-year-old Diaz-Canel, who succeeded Castro as the communist island's leader only last month, appeared aghast as he surveyed the recovery efforts, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and surrounded by officials. Castro sent his condolences to families bereaved in the "catastrophic accident," a statement read, as Russian President Vladimir Putin and a string of Latin American leaders also expressed sympathy. Pope Francis asked the church in Cuba to convey condolences to families "who mourn the unexpected disappearance of loved ones." The explosion shook everything The plane took off from Havana at 12:08 pm (1608 GMT) Friday heading for Holguin, 670 kilometers (415 miles) to the east. From the supermarket where he works near the airport, Jose Luis, 49, said he could see the plane taking off before it banked and plunged to the ground. "I saw it taking off. All of a sudden, it made a turn, and went down. We were all amazed," he said. Yasniel Diaz, a 21-year-old musician, said the pilot appeared to attempt an emergency landing, but crashed instead. "The explosion shook everything," he said. "I started running, I was so afraid."

Cuba mourns after 107 killed in plane crash

More than 100 people were killed in a fiery crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba on Friday, with just three seriously injured survivors in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, officials and state media said.

The aircraft, on a domestic flight to Holguin in eastern Cuba, crashed shortly after taking off from Havana at 11 a.m. (1500 GMT). There were either 104 or 105 passengers, including five children, plus nine crew members, various state media said.

Five of the passengers plus the crew were foreign, media reports said. The Mexican government said Mexicans citizens were among the dead, without providing further details.

"We should expect that the news will not be good, as there are a high number of people who appear to have been killed," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in broadcast comments.

The fire from the crash had been put out and authorities were identifying bodies, the president said. The cause of the crash was not immediately known and Diaz-Canel said authorities were investigating.

"We heard an explosion and then saw a big cloud of smoke go up," said Gilberto Menendez, who runs a restaurant near the crash site in the agricultural area of Boyeros.

The Boeing 737-201 aircraft was built in 1979 and leased by Cuban airline Cubana from a small Mexican firm called Damojh, according to the Mexican government. That would make it significantly older than most planes in service.

Damojh in Mexico said it did not immediately have any more information. Cubana declined to comment.

Cubana has been the subject of complaints over service and delays in recent months.

Blackened wreckage of Flight CU972 was strewn over the crash site area 20 km (12 miles) south of Havana, a Reuters witness said. Its destination Holguin is the capital of a province that is popular with tourists for its pristine beaches.

Carlos Alberto Martinez, the director of Havana`s Calixto Garcia hospital, told Reuters that four victims of the accident had been brought there. One had died and three others, all women, were in a serious condition, he said.

"She is alive but very burnt and swollen," said a distressed relative of one of the survivors at the hospital.

The reason for the plane going down was unclear. "During take-off (the plane) apparently suffered a problem and dived to the ground," the Mexican transport department said on its website.

Most aircraft accidents take months of investigation to explain and are typically caused by a cocktail of different factors, according to aviation experts.

Cubana complaints

Boeing Co said in a statement its technical team stood "ready to assist as permitted under US law and at the direction of the US National Transportation Safety Board and Cuban authorities". The United States has a decades-old trade embargo on the island.

Boeing 737 aircraft use engines made by CFM International, the supplier of the world`s most-used engines, built by a joint venture of GE and France`s Safran.

On Thursday, Cuba`s First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa had met with Cubana bosses to discuss public complaints about its service, according to state-run media. Problems included the cancellation of numerous domestic flights this year, and long delays which the company said were caused by technical problems with its aircraft.

Earlier this month, the company was ordered to suspend flights by its six Russian built AN-158 aircraft, of which most had reportedly already been grounded.

The last fatal crash in Cuba was in 2017, the Aviation Safety Network said. It was a military flight that killed all eight on board. In 2010, a commercial Aero Caribbean plane crashed in central Cuba. All 68 people on board were killed.

The latest available information on Cuba from UN safety aviation agency ICAO, dating back to 2008, ranks it above the global average, though that preceded the latest three crashes.

The aircraft, on a domestic flight to Holguin in eastern Cuba, crashed shortly after taking off from Havana at 11 a.m. (1500 GMT). There were either 104 or 105 passengers, including five children, plus nine crew members, various state media said

More than 100 people were killed in a fiery crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba on Friday, with just three seriously injured survivors in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, officials and state media said. The aircraft, on a domestic flight to Holguin in eastern Cuba, crashed shortly after taking off from Havana at 11 a.m. (1500 GMT). There were either 104 or 105 passengers, including five children, plus nine crew members, various state media said. Five of the passengers plus the crew were foreign, media reports said. The Mexican government said Mexicans citizens were among the dead, without providing further details. "We should expect that the news will not be good, as there are a high number of people who appear to have been killed," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in broadcast comments. The fire from the crash had been put out and authorities were identifying bodies, the president said. The cause of the crash was not immediately known and Diaz-Canel said authorities were investigating. "We heard an explosion and then saw a big cloud of smoke go up," said Gilberto Menendez, who runs a restaurant near the crash site in the agricultural area of Boyeros. The Boeing 737-201 aircraft was built in 1979 and leased by Cuban airline Cubana from a small Mexican firm called Damojh, according to the Mexican government. That would make it significantly older than most planes in service. Damojh in Mexico said it did not immediately have any more information. Cubana declined to comment. Cubana has been the subject of complaints over service and delays in recent months. Blackened wreckage of Flight CU972 was strewn over the crash site area 20 km (12 miles) south of Havana, a Reuters witness said. Its destination Holguin is the capital of a province that is popular with tourists for its pristine beaches. Carlos Alberto Martinez, the director of Havana`s Calixto Garcia hospital, told Reuters that four victims of the accident had been brought there. One had died and three others, all women, were in a serious condition, he said. "She is alive but very burnt and swollen," said a distressed relative of one of the survivors at the hospital. The reason for the plane going down was unclear. "During take-off (the plane) apparently suffered a problem and dived to the ground," the Mexican transport department said on its website. Most aircraft accidents take months of investigation to explain and are typically caused by a cocktail of different factors, according to aviation experts. Cubana complaints Boeing Co said in a statement its technical team stood "ready to assist as permitted under US law and at the direction of the US National Transportation Safety Board and Cuban authorities". The United States has a decades-old trade embargo on the island. Boeing 737 aircraft use engines made by CFM International, the supplier of the world`s most-used engines, built by a joint venture of GE and France`s Safran. On Thursday, Cuba`s First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa had met with Cubana bosses to discuss public complaints about its service, according to state-run media. Problems included the cancellation of numerous domestic flights this year, and long delays which the company said were caused by technical problems with its aircraft. Earlier this month, the company was ordered to suspend flights by its six Russian built AN-158 aircraft, of which most had reportedly already been grounded. The last fatal crash in Cuba was in 2017, the Aviation Safety Network said. It was a military flight that killed all eight on board. In 2010, a commercial Aero Caribbean plane crashed in central Cuba. All 68 people on board were killed. The latest available information on Cuba from UN safety aviation agency ICAO, dating back to 2008, ranks it above the global average, though that preceded the latest three crashes.

Passenger plane crashes in Cuba, killing more than 100 people

A Boeing 737 plane crashed on Friday shortly after taking off from Havana's main airport, Cuban state-run media reported, adding that it was not yet known if there were any casualties. However, CNN reports unknown number of casualties.

The plane was a domestic flight going to Holguin, carrying 104 passengers, state-run TV said.

"It crashed between the locality of Boyeros and the village of Santiago de La Vegas", state-run TV said in its midday news broadcast, referring to an area some 20 km south of Havana.

Images on TV and social media showed a large plume of black smoke above the airport. Ambulances and firefighters were rushing to the scene.

It was not immediately clear which carrier was operating the aircraft.

Cuban state-run website Cubadebate reported that it was not yet known if there were any casualties

A Boeing 737 plane crashed on Friday shortly after taking off from Havana's main airport, Cuban state-run media reported, adding that it was not yet known if there were any casualties. However, CNN reports unknown number of casualties. The plane was a domestic flight going to Holguin, carrying 104 passengers, state-run TV said. "It crashed between the locality of Boyeros and the village of Santiago de La Vegas", state-run TV said in its midday news broadcast, referring to an area some 20 km south of Havana. Images on TV and social media showed a large plume of black smoke above the airport. Ambulances and firefighters were rushing to the scene. It was not immediately clear which carrier was operating the aircraft.

Cuba: Boeing 737 crashes with 104 people on board, casualties feared

Cuba's Raul Castro stepped down as the President on Thursday making way for Miguel Diaz-Canel to take up the office.&nbsp;

While Castro handed over the baton to his successor Canel, he shared that he will continue to head Cuba's Communist Party until 2021.

86-year-old Castro noted that after 2021 he will continue to defend the revolution and be a soldier alongside the people of Cuba.

On Thursday, Cuba witnessed the presidential power handed-over to a non-Castro leader for the first time in the last 60 years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/miguel-diaz-canel-succeeds-raul-castro-as-cubas-president-131435">Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president</a> on Thursday. Canel succeeds Raul Castro putting an end to a historic six-decade-long Castro-rule over the country.&nbsp;

57-year-old Canel was the only candidate for the presidency and was elected to a five-year term.&nbsp;

Canel secured 603 out of 604 votes in the National Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president on Thursday

Cuba's Raul Castro stepped down as the President on Thursday making way for Miguel Diaz-Canel to take up the office. While Castro handed over the baton to his successor Canel, he shared that he will continue to head Cuba's Communist Party until 2021. 86-year-old Castro noted that after 2021 he will continue to defend the revolution and be a soldier alongside the people of Cuba. On Thursday, Cuba witnessed the presidential power handed-over to a non-Castro leader for the first time in the last 60 years. Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president on Thursday. Canel succeeds Raul Castro putting an end to a historic six-decade-long Castro-rule over the country. 57-year-old Canel was the only candidate for the presidency and was elected to a five-year term. Canel secured 603 out of 604 votes in the National Assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

Raul Castro to remain head of Cuba's Communist Party until 2021

Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president on Thursday. Canel succeeds Raul Castro putting an end to a historic six-decade-long Castro-rule over the country.&nbsp;

57-year-old Canel was the only candidate for the presidency and was elected to a five-year term.&nbsp;

Canel secured 603 out of 604 votes in the National Assembly.

President Raul Castro, 86, stepped down after 10 years in office. His replacement, Miguel Diaz-Canel, is a 57-year-old engineer who embraces technology and appears socially liberal.

Diaz-Canel is a stalwart of the ruling Communist Party and is considered a safe bet to inherit the ideological mantle of Castro and other elderly leaders who helped Fidel Castro topple a US-backed president six decades ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canel secured 603 out of 604 votes in the National Assembly.

Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president on Thursday. Canel succeeds Raul Castro putting an end to a historic six-decade-long Castro-rule over the country. 57-year-old Canel was the only candidate for the presidency and was elected to a five-year term. Canel secured 603 out of 604 votes in the National Assembly. President Raul Castro, 86, stepped down after 10 years in office. His replacement, Miguel Diaz-Canel, is a 57-year-old engineer who embraces technology and appears socially liberal. Diaz-Canel is a stalwart of the ruling Communist Party and is considered a safe bet to inherit the ideological mantle of Castro and other elderly leaders who helped Fidel Castro topple a US-backed president six decades ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Miguel Diaz-Canel succeeds Raul Castro as Cuba's President

Cuba's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution will be named by lawmakers on the island as soon as Wednesday, heading a younger generation of Communist officials who will be under pressure from ordinary Cubans to breathe life into the economy.

President Raul Castro, 86, is stepping down after 10 years in office and his replacement is expected to be First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, a 57-year-old engineer who embraces technology and appears socially liberal.

Diaz-Canel is a stalwart of the ruling Communist Party and is considered a safe bet to inherit the ideological mantle of Castro and other elderly leaders who helped Fidel Castro topple a US-backed president six decades ago.

Wearing a dark suit in place of military fatigues, Castro entered the assembly with Diaz-Canel to a long ovation from the 604 legislators gathered at a convention centre in a Havana suburb.&nbsp;

The rubber-stamp national assembly will select 30 other members of Cuba's state council along with the replacement for Castro. Raul Castro's brother, Fidel Castro, formally handed over power to him in 2008 as his health deteriorated, and he died in 2016 aged 90.

The new president and state council are due to be sworn in on Thursday but their names could be clear as soon as Wednesday if the list of candidates is made public.&nbsp;

While the assembly will promote younger leaders of government, Castro and other elders of the revolution will likely retain a degree of power on the Caribbean island as senior leaders of the Communist Party until a party congress set for 2021.

Diaz-Canel is likely to be cautious at first, seeking to consolidate support among conservatives despite desire among young Cubans for faster development. He is unlikely to challenge one-party rule.

Castro brought change, significantly thawing relations with the United States for the first time since the 1959 revolution that ousted Fulgencio Batista. He also introduced market reforms to one of the world's last Soviet-style centrally planned economies.

But Cuba's economy remains smaller than it was in 1985, when it had the support of a Communist ally, the Soviet Union, and some Cubans are pessimistic about their lives improving.

The economy is suffering the effects of a crisis in oil benefactor Venezuela. Relations with the United States are strained anew under President Donald Trump and Cuba has few allies in the region.

"Right now, we don't know what the future holds," said Adriana Valdivia, 45, a teacher in Havana. "Raul is finished and Fidel is history."

"I can't see a way out to help Cubans live better, salaries are the same and don't make ends meet, and now Trump is tightening the screws with the blockade, imagine that," said Valdivia, who earns about $24 a month. The longstanding US&nbsp;economic embargo on the island is commonly referred to as a blockade by the Cuban government.

The next president should "increase the speed of change in Cuba while preserving the good things," said blogger Harold Cardenas, 32, adding that resistance from within the party to Raul Castro's economic reforms had held the country back.

New generation, new ideas?

Within the confines of the one-party system, Cuba presents its political processes as democratic.

A commission drawn from labour unions and other civic groups is expected to present the national assembly with just one name for each post on the state council. The assembly will vote to ratify them on Wednesday, party newspaper Granma said.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, 60, is expected to get a senior role in the new government, after helping to nurture the detente reached with former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama in 2014, and renewing Cuba's traditional defiance toward Washington after Trump shifted policies.

Mercedes Lopez Acea, the 53-year-old head of the Communist Party in Havana, could take on a larger role.

Many Cubans say they feel distant from politics, preferring to focus on making ends meet within the limited economic opportunities that opened as Castro allowed more small businesses in recent years.&nbsp;

"Politics is not my strong point," said Diadenis Sanabria, 34, working in a state-owned restaurant in Havana's Vedado district.&nbsp;

"But I don't think a change of chief is going to change my life."

Mercedes Lopez Acea, the 53-year-old head of the Communist Party in Havana, could take on a larger role

Cuba's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution will be named by lawmakers on the island as soon as Wednesday, heading a younger generation of Communist officials who will be under pressure from ordinary Cubans to breathe life into the economy. President Raul Castro, 86, is stepping down after 10 years in office and his replacement is expected to be First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, a 57-year-old engineer who embraces technology and appears socially liberal. Diaz-Canel is a stalwart of the ruling Communist Party and is considered a safe bet to inherit the ideological mantle of Castro and other elderly leaders who helped Fidel Castro topple a US-backed president six decades ago. Wearing a dark suit in place of military fatigues, Castro entered the assembly with Diaz-Canel to a long ovation from the 604 legislators gathered at a convention centre in a Havana suburb. The rubber-stamp national assembly will select 30 other members of Cuba's state council along with the replacement for Castro. Raul Castro's brother, Fidel Castro, formally handed over power to him in 2008 as his health deteriorated, and he died in 2016 aged 90. The new president and state council are due to be sworn in on Thursday but their names could be clear as soon as Wednesday if the list of candidates is made public. While the assembly will promote younger leaders of government, Castro and other elders of the revolution will likely retain a degree of power on the Caribbean island as senior leaders of the Communist Party until a party congress set for 2021. Diaz-Canel is likely to be cautious at first, seeking to consolidate support among conservatives despite desire among young Cubans for faster development. He is unlikely to challenge one-party rule. Castro brought change, significantly thawing relations with the United States for the first time since the 1959 revolution that ousted Fulgencio Batista. He also introduced market reforms to one of the world's last Soviet-style centrally planned economies. But Cuba's economy remains smaller than it was in 1985, when it had the support of a Communist ally, the Soviet Union, and some Cubans are pessimistic about their lives improving. The economy is suffering the effects of a crisis in oil benefactor Venezuela. Relations with the United States are strained anew under President Donald Trump and Cuba has few allies in the region. "Right now, we don't know what the future holds," said Adriana Valdivia, 45, a teacher in Havana. "Raul is finished and Fidel is history." "I can't see a way out to help Cubans live better, salaries are the same and don't make ends meet, and now Trump is tightening the screws with the blockade, imagine that," said Valdivia, who earns about $24 a month. The longstanding US economic embargo on the island is commonly referred to as a blockade by the Cuban government. The next president should "increase the speed of change in Cuba while preserving the good things," said blogger Harold Cardenas, 32, adding that resistance from within the party to Raul Castro's economic reforms had held the country back. New generation, new ideas? Within the confines of the one-party system, Cuba presents its political processes as democratic. A commission drawn from labour unions and other civic groups is expected to present the national assembly with just one name for each post on the state council. The assembly will vote to ratify them on Wednesday, party newspaper Granma said. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, 60, is expected to get a senior role in the new government, after helping to nurture the detente reached with former US President Barack Obama in 2014, and renewing Cuba's traditional defiance toward Washington after Trump shifted policies. Mercedes Lopez Acea, the 53-year-old head of the Communist Party in Havana, could take on a larger role. Many Cubans say they feel distant from politics, preferring to focus on making ends meet within the limited economic opportunities that opened as Castro allowed more small businesses in recent years. "Politics is not my strong point," said Diadenis Sanabria, 34, working in a state-owned restaurant in Havana's Vedado district. "But I don't think a change of chief is going to change my life."

Cuba to name first non-Castro leader since 1959

Cubans go to the polls on Sunday in a one-party vote that marks the penultimate step in a political process that will culminate next month with the selection of the Communist-ruled island&#39;s first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution.

The government depicts the vote, which takes place every five years and in which Cubans are asked to endorse two official lists of candidates for the national and provincial assemblies, as a symbolic show of unity.

This year, though, the newly-seated national assembly will on April 19 select a new president to replace Raul Castro, 86, who together with his late older brother Fidel Castro ruled the Caribbean island for nearly six decades.

While Castro is expected to remain at the helm of the powerful Communist Party, First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is expected to become president.

Given he will not have the same moral authority as the &quot;historic generation&quot; of revolutionary leaders, Diaz-Canel will have to earn his legitimacy by addressing voters&#39; concerns and raising living standards, analysts say.

That task will be more challenging at a time when aid from ally Venezuela is falling, relations with the United States - which maintains a decades-old embargo on Cuba - are worsening and there is pushback against market reforms.

&quot;For many Cubans, elections have never represented change,&quot; said Rafael Padron, 37, a sports trainer in Havana. &quot;But this is a key moment.&quot;

More than eight million Cubans will vote to ratify two official lists of candidates - one to form the 605-member National Assembly and another to constitute the 14 provincial assemblies totaling 1,265 delegates.

While candidates are not required to belong to the Communist Party, the only legal party in Cuba, most do.

The parliamentary candidates, selected by party-controlled commissions, include Raul Castro and two men who fought with him in the mountains during the revolution, vice-presidents Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 87, and Ramiro Valdes, 85.

However, Castro has said he will step down as president at the end of his second five-year term in April. Many analysts expect his fellow revolutionaries also to retire from the government, marking a generational shift.

A ceremony last month in the neoclassical Capitol at which Castro awarded them medals for being &quot;heroes of work&quot; has been interpreted as a symbolic farewell.

&quot;We don&#39;t know what will happen exactly,&quot; said Arnaldo Betancourt, 52, who sells handcrafts in Havana, &quot;but people want to see new things: a change for the better.&quot;

A VOTE WITHOUT ADVERSARIES

The electoral cycle began last year with the election of more than 12,515 ward delegates in the only vote in which ordinary Cubans get to choose between two or more candidates.

About 50 percent of candidates for the provincial and national assemblies must be ward delegates, to ensure they keep in touch with grassroots issues. The remainder are officials and personalities from the arts, sport and other sectors.

The candidate lists do not contain a single known opponent of Cuba&#39;s one-party system, one of the last left in the world.

The government says the party allows adequate space for discussion and most dissidents are mercenaries funded by foreign governments and exiles, out to topple the government.

The number of candidates traditionally equals the number of positions available: the only choice being not to vote for a certain candidate, leave blank or spoil one&#39;s ballot.

Election turnout in Cuba is nonetheless historically very high, with abstention frowned upon.

&quot;Here people participate in the elections really to fulfill an obligation because if not you set yourself apart in front of the Committees in Defense of the Revolution,&quot; said Rosario Vega, 38, referring to neighborhood block committees.

Other Cubans say they see the vote as an opportunity to show they support the system.

&quot;The vote is for our homeland, for boosting the economy,&quot; said Julio Cesar Garriga, 29, &quot;but united with our fists clenched when imperialism tries to confuse us.&quot;

The vote, on Sunday, marks the penultimate step in a political process that will culminate next month with the selection of the Communist-ruled island's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution

Cubans go to the polls on Sunday in a one-party vote that marks the penultimate step in a political process that will culminate next month with the selection of the Communist-ruled island's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution. The government depicts the vote, which takes place every five years and in which Cubans are asked to endorse two official lists of candidates for the national and provincial assemblies, as a symbolic show of unity. This year, though, the newly-seated national assembly will on April 19 select a new president to replace Raul Castro, 86, who together with his late older brother Fidel Castro ruled the Caribbean island for nearly six decades. While Castro is expected to remain at the helm of the powerful Communist Party, First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is expected to become president. Given he will not have the same moral authority as the "historic generation" of revolutionary leaders, Diaz-Canel will have to earn his legitimacy by addressing voters' concerns and raising living standards, analysts say. That task will be more challenging at a time when aid from ally Venezuela is falling, relations with the United States - which maintains a decades-old embargo on Cuba - are worsening and there is pushback against market reforms. "For many Cubans, elections have never represented change," said Rafael Padron, 37, a sports trainer in Havana. "But this is a key moment." More than eight million Cubans will vote to ratify two official lists of candidates - one to form the 605-member National Assembly and another to constitute the 14 provincial assemblies totaling 1,265 delegates. While candidates are not required to belong to the Communist Party, the only legal party in Cuba, most do. The parliamentary candidates, selected by party-controlled commissions, include Raul Castro and two men who fought with him in the mountains during the revolution, vice-presidents Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 87, and Ramiro Valdes, 85. However, Castro has said he will step down as president at the end of his second five-year term in April. Many analysts expect his fellow revolutionaries also to retire from the government, marking a generational shift. A ceremony last month in the neoclassical Capitol at which Castro awarded them medals for being "heroes of work" has been interpreted as a symbolic farewell. "We don't know what will happen exactly," said Arnaldo Betancourt, 52, who sells handcrafts in Havana, "but people want to see new things: a change for the better." A VOTE WITHOUT ADVERSARIES The electoral cycle began last year with the election of more than 12,515 ward delegates in the only vote in which ordinary Cubans get to choose between two or more candidates. About 50 percent of candidates for the provincial and national assemblies must be ward delegates, to ensure they keep in touch with grassroots issues. The remainder are officials and personalities from the arts, sport and other sectors. The candidate lists do not contain a single known opponent of Cuba's one-party system, one of the last left in the world. The government says the party allows adequate space for discussion and most dissidents are mercenaries funded by foreign governments and exiles, out to topple the government. The number of candidates traditionally equals the number of positions available: the only choice being not to vote for a certain candidate, leave blank or spoil one's ballot. Election turnout in Cuba is nonetheless historically very high, with abstention frowned upon. "Here people participate in the elections really to fulfill an obligation because if not you set yourself apart in front of the Committees in Defense of the Revolution," said Rosario Vega, 38, referring to neighborhood block committees. Other Cubans say they see the vote as an opportunity to show they support the system. "The vote is for our homeland, for boosting the economy," said Julio Cesar Garriga, 29, "but united with our fists clenched when imperialism tries to confuse us."

Cuba holds one-party vote as post-Castro era looms

&nbsp;

By Robert Huish &amp; Patrick Balazo*

New technology can have profound impacts on society in ways never intended.

The radio <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-27894944">carried codes</a> during the First World War, but later became a household fixture. <a href="https://bebusinessed.com/history/history-of-the-telephone/">Early telephones</a> were leased in pairs but after Western Union, a telegraph company, adopted &ldquo;exchanges,&rdquo; it led to rapid long-distance communication. Likewise, mobile phones have evolved from bulky &ldquo;walkie-talkies&rdquo; to small supercomputers.

And now Facebook, originally a connection platform for university students, conjoins one in four people. But today, in Myanmar, Facebook is helping fuel a genocide against the Rohingya people.

Based on our research in Myanmar and in Cuba, we argue that internet usage in Myanmar is dangerous. Unbridled connection to Facebook creates what we call a &ldquo;virtual coercive,&rdquo; a digital space that bolsters coercion. We suggest that Cuba&rsquo;s internet model may provide lessons to manage social media amid political chaos.

The utility of inventions can be unpredictable, and so too can the social impacts be catastrophic.

<a href="https://bebusinessed.com/history/history-of-the-telephone/">Distracted driving</a> is an unforeseen consequence of mobile phones that kills or maims thousands each year. Dealing with distracted driving involves better driver education, curbing usage behind the wheel and penalties for stupidity.

<a href="http://www.rwandanstories.org/genocide/hate_radio.html">Radio enabled unimaginable horrors</a> during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

&lsquo;Blood on hands&rsquo;

But in conditions of genocide, can a technology like radio be limited or restricted? It&rsquo;s an essential service, but with blood on its hands. That&rsquo;s a burden Facebook now shares.

In 2010, Myanmar had 130,000 heavily restricted internet users. In seven years, SIM card prices plunged from more than US$3,000 to $1. The government also relaxed censorship laws, allowing Facebook to attract 30 million Burmese users. Many of them view Facebook as the internet.

Beginning in late August, Burmese security forces pursued a scorched-earth campaign against the Rohingya. Some 6,700 were killed and 645,000 were forced to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Along with ultra-nationalist monk Ashin Wirathu, a host of Facebook pages spread hate speech. This vitriolic propaganda further vilifies the already marginalized and much-maligned Rohingya.

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/200499/original/file-20171229-96263-vt2qmm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
Myanmar&rsquo;s radical Buddhist monk, the anti-Muslim Ashin Wirathu, is seen here in Sri Lanka in 2014. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

&nbsp;

Anti-Rohingya content includes explicitly racist political cartoons, falsified images and staged news reports. This content goes viral, normalizing hate speech and shaping public perception. Violence against Rohingya people is increasingly welcomed, and then celebrated online. This virtual coercive serves the Myanmar military&rsquo;s interests.

The military junta&rsquo;s monopoly on information has provided little arena to foster media literacy. Such propaganda in this virtual coercive of anti-Rohingya propaganda preys upon the ill-informed. For many, the misinformation spread through Facebook justifies what the United Nations has dubbed a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar citizens now have unbridled access to low-cost internet on their mobile devices. Freedom of speech advocates will laud this. But this open information pipeline reinforces Facebook&rsquo;s dark side of self-reaffirmation with limited perspective.

This is to the Burmese military&rsquo;s advantage. Just as radio fuelled genocide in the 1990s, Facebook is making it happen in Myanmar today.
</figcaption>
</figure>

Fiction becomes reality

Facebook&rsquo;s virtual coercive is one of division, competing realities and a lack of mutual acceptance. In Facebook&rsquo;s virtual coercive, fiction is reality and lies can validate.

Considering this, we argue that constant Facebook use in Myanmar is too risky to ignore. Societies require spaces for tolerance of differing ideas, trade, negotiation, volunteerism and face-to-face dynamics. This is lacking in Myanmar.

Cuba may be an important example in this discussion.

The nature of internet access in Cuba has not led to the abusive coercion or divisive politics. Protests through social media that are common in other parts of the world do not exist in Cuba.

Why?

Internet in Cuba is, simply put, expensive. Spending US$3 for an hour of WiFi in internet parks is about 10 per cent of a Cuban&rsquo;s monthly earnings. With only limited time to be online, Facebook&rsquo;s bandwidth-clogging bulk makes it unpopular in Cuba. Instead, other SMS and chat apps such as IMO, a direct video chat service, is preferred.

Cubans access internet in small doses

Cuba has only limited capacity to monitor its internet traffic, and the government worries about unbridled access.

And so Facebook cannot be accessed during working hours in most government and university settings in Cuba. It creates a disincentive to rely on Facebook for news and connections.

Cubans surf the net in small doses and often in public spaces. This breaks the virtual coercive through face-to-face interactions.

The shortcomings of Cuba&rsquo;s model are obvious given it creates a barrier to information. Free-speech advocates will be quick to dismiss the idea of limiting the time spent online, never mind the dangers of a state having the responsibility to curtail social media.

But is unbridled access to Facebook really a pillar of free speech if the platform can be harnessed for the purpose of eliminating an entire population?

It&rsquo;s time to entertain disconnecting from the virtual coercive in order to engage in real space. Maybe in this way, Facebook&rsquo;s dark side can be kept at bay while still serving its original purpose of connecting people and enriching, not destroying, lives.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/unliked-how-facebook-is-playing-a-part-in-the-rohingya-genocide-89523" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

*Patrick Balazo is Researcher, Dalhousie University

Anti-Rohingya content includes explicitly racist political cartoons, falsified images and staged news reports. This content goes viral, normalizing hate speech and shaping public perception.

By Robert Huish & Patrick Balazo* New technology can have profound impacts on society in ways never intended. The radio carried codes during the First World War, but later became a household fixture. Early telephones were leased in pairs but after Western Union, a telegraph company, adopted “exchanges,” it led to rapid long-distance communication. Likewise, mobile phones have evolved from bulky “walkie-talkies” to small supercomputers. And now Facebook, originally a connection platform for university students, conjoins one in four people. But today, in Myanmar, Facebook is helping fuel a genocide against the Rohingya people. Based on our research in Myanmar and in Cuba, we argue that internet usage in Myanmar is dangerous. Unbridled connection to Facebook creates what we call a “virtual coercive,” a digital space that bolsters coercion. We suggest that Cuba’s internet model may provide lessons to manage social media amid political chaos. The utility of inventions can be unpredictable, and so too can the social impacts be catastrophic. Distracted driving is an unforeseen consequence of mobile phones that kills or maims thousands each year. Dealing with distracted driving involves better driver education, curbing usage behind the wheel and penalties for stupidity. Radio enabled unimaginable horrors during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. ‘Blood on hands’ But in conditions of genocide, can a technology like radio be limited or restricted? It’s an essential service, but with blood on its hands. That’s a burden Facebook now shares. In 2010, Myanmar had 130,000 heavily restricted internet users. In seven years, SIM card prices plunged from more than US$3,000 to $1. The government also relaxed censorship laws, allowing Facebook to attract 30 million Burmese users. Many of them view Facebook as the internet. Beginning in late August, Burmese security forces pursued a scorched-earth campaign against the Rohingya. Some 6,700 were killed and 645,000 were forced to seek refuge in Bangladesh. Along with ultra-nationalist monk Ashin Wirathu, a host of Facebook pages spread hate speech. This vitriolic propaganda further vilifies the already marginalized and much-maligned Rohingya. Myanmar’s radical Buddhist monk, the anti-Muslim Ashin Wirathu, is seen here in Sri Lanka in 2014. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Anti-Rohingya content includes explicitly racist political cartoons, falsified images and staged news reports. This content goes viral, normalizing hate speech and shaping public perception. Violence against Rohingya people is increasingly welcomed, and then celebrated online. This virtual coercive serves the Myanmar military’s interests. The military junta’s monopoly on information has provided little arena to foster media literacy. Such propaganda in this virtual coercive of anti-Rohingya propaganda preys upon the ill-informed. For many, the misinformation spread through Facebook justifies what the United Nations has dubbed a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. Myanmar citizens now have unbridled access to low-cost internet on their mobile devices. Freedom of speech advocates will laud this. But this open information pipeline reinforces Facebook’s dark side of self-reaffirmation with limited perspective. This is to the Burmese military’s advantage. Just as radio fuelled genocide in the 1990s, Facebook is making it happen in Myanmar today. Fiction becomes reality Facebook’s virtual coercive is one of division, competing realities and a lack of mutual acceptance. In Facebook’s virtual coercive, fiction is reality and lies can validate. Considering this, we argue that constant Facebook use in Myanmar is too risky to ignore. Societies require spaces for tolerance of differing ideas, trade, negotiation, volunteerism and face-to-face dynamics. This is lacking in Myanmar. Cuba may be an important example in this discussion. The nature of internet access in Cuba has not led to the abusive coercion or divisive politics. Protests through social media that are common in other parts of the world do not exist in Cuba. Why? Internet in Cuba is, simply put, expensive. Spending US$3 for an hour of WiFi in internet parks is about 10 per cent of a Cuban’s monthly earnings. With only limited time to be online, Facebook’s bandwidth-clogging bulk makes it unpopular in Cuba. Instead, other SMS and chat apps such as IMO, a direct video chat service, is preferred. Cubans access internet in small doses Cuba has only limited capacity to monitor its internet traffic, and the government worries about unbridled access. And so Facebook cannot be accessed during working hours in most government and university settings in Cuba. It creates a disincentive to rely on Facebook for news and connections. Cubans surf the net in small doses and often in public spaces. This breaks the virtual coercive through face-to-face interactions. The shortcomings of Cuba’s model are obvious given it creates a barrier to information. Free-speech advocates will be quick to dismiss the idea of limiting the time spent online, never mind the dangers of a state having the responsibility to curtail social media. But is unbridled access to Facebook really a pillar of free speech if the platform can be harnessed for the purpose of eliminating an entire population? It’s time to entertain disconnecting from the virtual coercive in order to engage in real space. Maybe in this way, Facebook’s dark side can be kept at bay while still serving its original purpose of connecting people and enriching, not destroying, lives. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. *Patrick Balazo is Researcher, Dalhousie University

Opinion: How Facebook is playing a part in the Rohingya genocide

The US&nbsp;government made it tougher on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-undeterred-amid-trumps-tightening-of-sanctions-16924">Wednesday for Americans to visit Cuba and do business </a>in the country, making good on a pledge by President Donald Trump to roll back his Democratic predecessor&rsquo;s move toward warmer ties with Havana.

The restrictions, which take effect on Thursday, are aimed at preventing the military, intelligence and security arms of Cuba&rsquo;s Communist government from benefiting from American tourists and trade, the White House said.

They fill in the regulatory detail on a Trump policy speech in June, in which the Republican president called for a tightening of restrictions. He said then that the Cuban government continued to oppress its people and former President Barack Obama had made too many concessions in his 2014 diplomatic breakthrough with Washington&rsquo;s former Cold War foe.

The regulations include a ban on Americans doing business with some 180 Cuban government entities, holding companies, and tourism companies. The list includes 83 state-owned hotels, including famous hotels in Old Havana such as Ernest Hemingway&rsquo;s erstwhile favorite haunt the Hotel Ambos Mundos, as well as the city&rsquo;s new luxury shopping mall.

&ldquo;All these measures hurt the Cuban people,&rdquo; said Cuba&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry chief for U.S. Affairs Josefina Vidal. She said that government revenue funds Cuba&rsquo;s free education and healthcare systems.

Speaking to reporters in Havana, she called the list &ldquo;arbitrary&rdquo; and the regulations a further &ldquo;setback&rdquo; in U.S.-Cuban relations.

The new rules were criticized as too lax by Republican leaders who favor a hard line, but as counterproductive by those who agreed with Obama&rsquo;s rationale for the detente: that Washington&rsquo;s many decades of isolating the Caribbean island failed to force change.

The Cuban hotels listed included those run by military-linked chains Gaviota and Habaguanex. Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, a Cuban-American, said the list failed to go far enough because it omitted companies like Gran Caribe Hotel Group and Cubanacan that have ties to the Cuban government.

Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy said the regulations were unfair to Cuba, coming as Trump was being &ldquo;feted in Beijing&rdquo; by a Communist government &ldquo;in a country to which Americans can travel freely.&rdquo;

&ldquo;The hypocrisy of the White House ideologues is glaring,&rdquo; Leahy said in a statement.

The US government made it tougher on Wednesday for Americans to visit Cuba and do business in the country, making good on a pledge by President Donald Trump to roll back his Democratic predecessor?s move toward warmer ties with Havana.

The US government made it tougher on Wednesday for Americans to visit Cuba and do business in the country, making good on a pledge by President Donald Trump to roll back his Democratic predecessor’s move toward warmer ties with Havana. The restrictions, which take effect on Thursday, are aimed at preventing the military, intelligence and security arms of Cuba’s Communist government from benefiting from American tourists and trade, the White House said. They fill in the regulatory detail on a Trump policy speech in June, in which the Republican president called for a tightening of restrictions. He said then that the Cuban government continued to oppress its people and former President Barack Obama had made too many concessions in his 2014 diplomatic breakthrough with Washington’s former Cold War foe. The regulations include a ban on Americans doing business with some 180 Cuban government entities, holding companies, and tourism companies. The list includes 83 state-owned hotels, including famous hotels in Old Havana such as Ernest Hemingway’s erstwhile favorite haunt the Hotel Ambos Mundos, as well as the city’s new luxury shopping mall. “All these measures hurt the Cuban people,” said Cuba’s Foreign Ministry chief for U.S. Affairs Josefina Vidal. She said that government revenue funds Cuba’s free education and healthcare systems. Speaking to reporters in Havana, she called the list “arbitrary” and the regulations a further “setback” in U.S.-Cuban relations. The new rules were criticized as too lax by Republican leaders who favor a hard line, but as counterproductive by those who agreed with Obama’s rationale for the detente: that Washington’s many decades of isolating the Caribbean island failed to force change. The Cuban hotels listed included those run by military-linked chains Gaviota and Habaguanex. Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, a Cuban-American, said the list failed to go far enough because it omitted companies like Gran Caribe Hotel Group and Cubanacan that have ties to the Cuban government. Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy said the regulations were unfair to Cuba, coming as Trump was being “feted in Beijing” by a Communist government “in a country to which Americans can travel freely.” “The hypocrisy of the White House ideologues is glaring,” Leahy said in a statement.

US government restricts travel and trade with Cuba

More than half a century after US&nbsp;President John F. Kennedy was struck down by an assassin&#39;s bullet in Dallas, Texas, the United States is due on Thursday to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/president-trump-to-allow-release-of-jfk-files-6167.">release the final&nbsp;files</a> on the investigation into the killing that rattled a nation.

Academics who have studied Kennedy&#39;s slaying on Nov. 22, 1963, said they expected the&nbsp;final batch of files to&nbsp;offer&nbsp;no major&nbsp;new&nbsp;details&nbsp;on why Lee Harvey Oswald gunned down the first and only Irish-American Roman Catholic to hold the office.

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<h5>Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would allow the&nbsp;documents&nbsp;to be made public</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would allow the?documents?to be made public" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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They also feared that the&nbsp;final&nbsp;batch of more than 5 million total pages on the Kennedy assassination&nbsp;held in the National Archives will do little to quell long-held conspiracy theories that the 46-year-old president&#39;s killing was organized by the Mafia, by Cuba or a cabal of rogue agents.

Thousands of books, articles, TV shows and films have explored the idea that Kennedy assassination&nbsp;was the result of an elaborate conspiracy. None have produced conclusive proof that Oswald, who was shot dead a day after killing Kennedy, worked with anyone else, though they retain a powerful cultural currency.

&quot;My students are really sceptical that Oswald was the lone assassin,&quot; said Patrick Maney, a professor of history at Boston College. &quot;It&#39;s hard to get our minds around this, that someone like a loner, a loser, could on his own have murdered Kennedy and changed the course of world history. But that&#39;s where the evidence is.&quot;

In 1992, Congress ordered that all records relating to the investigation into Kennedy&#39;s death should be open to the public, and set a&nbsp;final&nbsp;deadline of Oct. 26, 2017, for the entire set to be made public.

President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would allow the&nbsp;documents&nbsp;to be made public.

The&nbsp;documents&nbsp;to be released on Thursday will likely focus on efforts by the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine what contact Oswald had with spies from Cuba and the former Soviet Union on a trip to Mexico City in September 1963, experts said.

&quot;There was a real concern that Oswald was maybe in league with the Soviet Union,&quot; Maney said.

Kennedy&#39;s&nbsp;assassination&nbsp;was the first in a string of politically motivated killings, including those of his brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., that stunned the United States during the turbulent 1960s. He remains one of the most admired US&nbsp;presidents.

Academics who have studied Kennedy's killing on Nov 22, 1963 said they expected the?final batch of files to?offer?no major?new?details?on why Lee Harvey Oswald gunned Kennedy down

More than half a century after US President John F. Kennedy was struck down by an assassin's bullet in Dallas, Texas, the United States is due on Thursday to release the final files on the investigation into the killing that rattled a nation. Academics who have studied Kennedy's slaying on Nov. 22, 1963, said they expected the final batch of files to offer no major new details on why Lee Harvey Oswald gunned down the first and only Irish-American Roman Catholic to hold the office. Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would allow the documents to be made public × They also feared that the final batch of more than 5 million total pages on the Kennedy assassination held in the National Archives will do little to quell long-held conspiracy theories that the 46-year-old president's killing was organized by the Mafia, by Cuba or a cabal of rogue agents. Thousands of books, articles, TV shows and films have explored the idea that Kennedy assassination was the result of an elaborate conspiracy. None have produced conclusive proof that Oswald, who was shot dead a day after killing Kennedy, worked with anyone else, though they retain a powerful cultural currency. "My students are really sceptical that Oswald was the lone assassin," said Patrick Maney, a professor of history at Boston College. "It's hard to get our minds around this, that someone like a loner, a loser, could on his own have murdered Kennedy and changed the course of world history. But that's where the evidence is." In 1992, Congress ordered that all records relating to the investigation into Kennedy's death should be open to the public, and set a final deadline of Oct. 26, 2017, for the entire set to be made public. President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would allow the documents to be made public. The documents to be released on Thursday will likely focus on efforts by the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine what contact Oswald had with spies from Cuba and the former Soviet Union on a trip to Mexico City in September 1963, experts said. "There was a real concern that Oswald was maybe in league with the Soviet Union," Maney said. Kennedy's assassination was the first in a string of politically motivated killings, including those of his brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., that stunned the United States during the turbulent 1960s. He remains one of the most admired US presidents.

John F Kennedy assassination: Final files on investigation to be released

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