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Raul Castro Praises Revolution, Warns U.S.

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The Associated Press

Published: July 27, 2008

SANTIAGO, Cuba - President Raul Castro warned Washington that Cuba would stay focused on defense regardless of who wins November's presidential election, but failed to announce more changes to the communist system during a major address Saturday night.

Castro, a four-star general, instead highlighted the past in a 48-minute Revolution Day speech to thousands of supporters in front of the Moncada military complex, where rebels led by his brother Fidel launched an attack 55 years ago and planted the seeds for the 1959 Cuban revolution.

"When we attacked the Moncada, none of us dreamed of being here today," Castro told the crowd in Santiago, 535 miles southeast of Havana, the de-facto capital of the island's eastern half.

He warned of more economic austerity for the already poor island in the face of rising food prices, but also used the speech to command Communist Party leaders to put Cuba's house in order and fulfill promises they make to the Cuban people.

And he put the United States, which also hoped for greater change under his regime, on notice.

"We shall continue paying special attention to defense, regardless of the results of the next presidential elections in the United States," Raul said.

The crowd chanted "Fidel!" throughout the speech.
Some Cubans had hoped he would use the speech to ease restrictions on international travel or announce other incremental reforms, but none came.

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