Castro retires - nominates his brother Raul as his successor - je 19.02.2008 20
Michael BärFebruary 19, 2008
U.S. President George Bush says he hopes the retirement of Fidel Castro will usher in a democratic transition in Cuba. Castro announced his decision to step down in a letter to the Cuban people, which was posted on the Communist party's news website "Granma". The National Assembly in Havana is expected to nominate Castro's brother Raul as his successor. Raul has served as acting president since Castro underwent intestinal surgery in 2006.