Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Raul Castro in control, says intelligence
01-13-2007

WASHINGTON, USA (UPI): Cuba will remain relatively stable after the death of Fidel Castro, a military intelligence official told a Senate panel, the Miami Herald reported Friday.

Lt. Gen. Michael D. Maples, the US Army director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said Raul Castro -- who took over when Fidel Castro fell ill in July -- has "widespread respect and support among Cuban military leaders who will be crucial in a permanent government succession."

Raul Castro said publicly last month that the communist regime would continue unabated under his leadership.

The new Cuban leader said he would be willing to work toward cooling hostilities between his nation and Washington. In December, a delegation of 10 US lawmakers visited Cuba and met with some senior officials, though reportedly not with Raul Castro.