Raul points the way for Cuba on July 26

From: PWW

Author: Morning Star
People's Weekly World Newspaper, 07/26/09 16:40

Original source: morningstaronline.co.uk

Raul Castro has said that the global economic crisis means tougher times ahead for Cuba, but the country has no-one to blame but itself for poor farm production.

In a speech marking Revolution Day, the Cuban president said that the island can't simply pin all its problems on Washington's 47-year-old trade embargo.

He implored Cubans to take better advantage of a government programme initiated last year to turn unused state land over to individual farmers.

"The land is there, here are the Cubans," he said, pounding the podium. "Let's see if we get to work or not, if we produce or not, if we keep our word."

The 78-year-old Mr Castro called agricultural production Cuba's top priority and a matter of national security.

"It is not a question of yelling 'Fatherland or death! Down with imperialism! The blockade hurts us'," he said.

"The land is there waiting for our efforts."

On the third anniversary of the last time his 82-year-old brother Fidel was seen in public, the younger Mr Castro showed signs that he is getting more comfortable with national addresses.

He opened his speech with a joke about the stage's lack of shielding from the sun.

Tens of thousands of supporters, most wearing red T-shirts or caps, filled a grassy plaza dotted with red and black July 26 flags.

Revolution Day commemorates the date in 1953 when the Castros led an attack on the Moncada army barracks in the eastern city of Santiago.

Cubans consider it the beginning of the revolution that culminated with dictator Fulgencio Batista's ousting on New Year's Day 1959.

An eight-story tall banner on a building behind the crowd featured a picture of both Fidel and Raul thrusting their arms skyward under the words The Vigorous and Victorious Revolution Keeps Marching Forward.

Mr Castro has asked Cubans to be patient as he implements "structural changes" to a struggling economy.

He also has said he'd be willing to meet US leaders over any issue.

Officials from Cuba and the US discussed immigration this month for the first time since 2003.

The Obama administration lifted restrictions on Cuban-Americans who want to travel or send money to the island.

But the US has said it wants to see small political or economic reforms before going further.