Castro Resigns

[zengrifter]

Castro Resigns Cuban Presidency

Feb 19, 3:19 AM (ET)

HAVANA (AP) - Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president from nearly a half-century early Tuesday, saying in a letter published in online official media that he would not accept a new term when the newly elected parliament meets on Sunday.

"I will not aspire nor accept - I repeat I will not aspire or accept, the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief," read a letter signed by Castro published quietly overnight without advance warning in the online edition of the Communist Party daily Granma.

The new National Assembly is meeting for first time Sunday since January elections to pick the governing Council of State, including the presidency Castro holds. There had been wide speculation about whether he would accept a nomination for reelection to that post or retire.

The 81-year-old Castro's overnight announcement effectively ends his rule of almost 50 years over Cuba, positioning his 76-year-old brother Raul for permanent succession to the presidency.

xxx

[bj bob]

Betcha can't wait til all those lovely casinos reopen in Havana, Zg? Let me know where I can buy some IPO's.

[shadroch]

Sicilians,Russians and Corsicans already have Havana all divided up. Not a Harrahs in sight.

[bj bob]

Originally Posted by shadroch

Sicilians,Russians and Corsicans already have Havana all divided up. Not a Harrahs in sight.

I thought all the Russian casino mob were in Wendover at the Nugget. Oh well, maybe there's opportunity on the other end of the island since Zg. is a graduate of Club Fed maybe the folks at Club Gitmo may give him an inside.

[Dyepaintball12]

has anyone seen the games in Cuba?

I mean Europeans and Canadians have been going there for a long time.

I wonder if the Blackjack will be good...

[shadroch]

I don't believe there are any legit casinos there.Lots of Americans have been going for years. You fly out of Canada or Mexico and they don't stamp you passport.Until the current management took over Washington,Americans could easily get visas for educational purposes,or to visit a relative.Bush Jr put an end to that. Now,We only deal with
communists countries that can sell us cheap clothing or poison our children.