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News from the Caribbean as of
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Cuba demobilizing reserves after power transfer
Thursday, August 17, 2006
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba began demobilizing thousands of reserve troops this week on alert since President Fidel Castro temporarily handed power to brother Raul Castro for health reasons, Communist Party sources said on Wednesday.
The alert for civilian rapid response brigades in case of domestic unrest was also winding down, the sources said.
"They are organizing meetings this week in the neighborhoods to honor the reservists," a mid-level party official in Havana said.
The winding down of the alert was the latest indication an ailing Castro was recovering and Cuba was calm with Raul Castro in charge.
Castro, 80, handed power to his younger brother and Defense Minister on July 31 after undergoing surgery for intestinal bleeding. Earlier this week the official media showed the first pictures and video of a frail, but apparently recovering Cuban president, in power for 47 years.
Castro's exact ailment, daily progress and whereabouts are being treated as state secrets.
"This is not the first time we have mobilized the military reserves to strengthen the country's defenses due to constant threats from the U.S. government," the party member said, asking that his name not be used.
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