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Saturday, February 23, 2008

Possible successors to Raul Castro

Possible successors to Raul Castro
Posted on Wed, Feb. 20, 2008
The Associated Press

HAVANA --
Raul Castro is widely expected to be named Cuba's president to replace
his brother, Fidel, by parliament on Sunday. Top possibilities to
replace him in the No. 2 spot:

-CARLOS LAGE DAVILA, 56: The most likely contender because of his
relative youth and broad experience. He is already one of five vice
presidents below Raul Castro and is also Cabinet secretary, a sort of
de-facto prime minister. He is credited with helping save Cuba's economy
by designing modest economic reforms after the Soviet Union collapsed.

-FELIPE PEREZ ROQUE, 42: A strong candidate for one of five regular vice
presidencies, at least. Foreign minister for nearly nine years and
previously personal secretary to Fidel Castro, Perez Roque is well
acquainted with the outgoing leader's thinking. A former leader of
Communist Party youth organizations.

-RICARDO ALARCON QUESADA, 70: Considered a long shot because of his age,
despite broad experience. President of parliament, he was foreign
minister for one year and served twice as ambassador to the United
Nations. He has represented Cuba in talks with the U.S., played a
central role in the seven-month battle for the repatriation of Elian
Gonzalez and is the government's lead advocate for five Cuban agents
serving prison terms in the United States.

http://www.miamiherald.com/948/story/426383.html

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