End of an era as ailing Castro is forced to quit

Ailing Cuban dictator Fidel Castro stepped down yesterday after almost half a century in power.

Fidel Castro Fidel Castro

The move could mark the beginning of the end of communism on the Caribbean island. [>

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Since the triumph of his rebel army in 1959, Castro has seen off nine British prime ministers and 10 US presidents – and survived invasion, assassination plots and sanctions. [>

It is very good that Fidel resigns. But if Fidel dies, it is better

Juan Acosta

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Finally, old age and ill health have forced the 81-year-old dictator to surrender office. [>

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Castro is familiar the world over as the leader in the military cap and beard, wielding a Cuban cigar and responsible for repressive laws on his people. [>

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As Soviet Russia’s ally, he helped to bring the world to the brink of nuclear catastrophe during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 at the height of the Cold War. [>

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Cuba has been in limbo for the past 18 months since Castro, having failed to recover fully from stomach surgery, temporarily handed over power to his 76-year-old brother Raul. [>

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Raul is expected to be ratified as new president this Sunday, when Castro quits officially. [>

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The US yesterday refused to end its trade and travel embargo against Cuba. But tourism to the island from the UK has flourished since the break-up of the Soviet Union. [>

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Ironically, the announcement that Fidel is stepping down was leaked on the internet. Cubans are not allowed free access to the web.  [>

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Many live in poverty, and the charming colonial-era buildings and classic cars that make the streets of the capital Havana so distinctive are signs of a crumbling nation stuck in a time warp. [>

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The economy is poor and political debate is stifled, with journalists and political organisers routinely jailed for supposed dissent. [>

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Exiled Cubans in Miami’s “Little Havana” yesterday hung out banners between palm trees declaring: “No Castro, No Problem.” But the celebrations were muted. [>

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Cuban exile Juan Acosta said: “It is very good that Fidel resigns. But if Fidel dies, it is better.” [>

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Acosta, who still has relatives in Cuba, added: “The system there is almost over. You are seeing the end.”  [>

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President George Bush said: “Eventually this transition ought to lead to free and fair elections – and I mean free, and I mean fair.” [>

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Relations between Cuba and the US have been poisoned since 1961, when a US-backed invasion by Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs failed. [>

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