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Cuban parliament names Raul Castro as president

A man walks past a billboard depicting Raul Castro, left, and Fidel Castro near the town of Jiguani, Cuba, on Sunday. PHOTO: AP

Cuba's parliament named Raul Castro president to replace his brother Fidel, prompting a guarded response yesterday from countries looking for signs of reform.

After years in Fidel's charismatic shadow as Cuba's No. 2 and defense minister, Raul Castro faces massive challenges, including preparing the transition of power to a newer generation and reforming the economy.

"Fidel is irreplaceable; the people will continue his work when he is no longer with us physically, though his ideas always will be here," Raul Castro, 76, told lawmakers in his acceptance speech late on Sunday.

In the 19 months since he took over as temporary leader, Raul Castro has made some minor adjustments in the economy, while promising bigger changes.

But he has made it clear that everything will take place "within socialism" and that solutions to the country's problems will come "little by little."

People in the street voiced hopes that the new president would usher in long-sought economic reforms to improve their daily lives.

"This is the best that could have happened to Cuba," Carlos Muguercia, a 78-year-old craftsman said. "Raul already knows the situation. He knows how to solve problems, in any case the most serious ones."

Others were less enthusiastic at the dynastic succession.

"Raul is Fidel without a beard," argued one young man enjoying a beer at a bar in Havana.

In a sign that change may take time, Raul Castro said he would consult with his brother on major issues. And he vowed to be on guard against the US.

"We have taken note of the offensive and openly-meddling declarations by the Empire [as Cuba refers to Washington] and some of its closest allies," he said.

In defiance of US-led calls for democratic reform, Fidel Castro had ruled out any betrayal of the Cuban revolution ahead of Sunday's vote.

In Washington, the top US diplomat for Latin America, Tom Shannon, stressed the "possibility and potential" for change in Cuba, but said it had to come internally.

Shannon also ruled out a lifting of the US embargo imposed on Cuba in 1962 until there was a transition to democracy.

In Brussels, The EU said it was willing to engage in a "constructive political dialogue" with Raul Castro.

Shortly after being named president, Raul Castro named General Julio Casas Regueiro, 72, to replace him as head of the armed forces.

The 614-member assembly also chose the country's first vice president, five other vice presidents, a party secretary and the 23 members of the Council of State.

And in a sign the older generation remained in control, Jose Ramon Machado, another "old guard" Cuban leader, was selected for Cuba's No. 2 spot.

Also see: Raul Castro's lack of magnetism may not be an issue
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