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Raul Castro: Outside Forces Can't Harm Us

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 1, 2009 9:09 PM CST

(Newser) – Raul Castro marked the 50th anniversary of his brother's rise to power by declaring that the revolution is "stronger than ever" but warning Cubans that more hardships lie ahead, the Miami Herald reports. Though he didn't mention the US by name, Castro said that outside forces could not harm the nation. He warned, however, that it could "self-destruct from within."

Cuba is struggling economically, and Castro acknowledged that "our people know every imperfection of our struggle." He told the nation's citizens to expect stringent times to continue. 'I'm not saying that to scare anyone, but because it is simply the reality.'' Fidel did not make any public appearances to mark the anniversary, and his health remains a state secret.

Cuban army officers chant revolutionary slogans during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution at the main plaza in Santiago, Cuba. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)

The president of Cuba, Raul Castro, speaks during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution at the main plaza in Santiago, Cuba. (AP Photo)

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Cuban Reforms May Endanger Classic US Cars

People might be able to buy modern ones for the first time

Jimmy Carter Lands in Cuba

He may push for release of American prisoner

Castro: I Actually Quit in 2006

Hasn't been head of Communist Party, or held any official position, since then

Che's Pal on Epic '52 Motorcycle Trip Dies

Alberto Granado lived out his days teaching in Cuba

Cuba's 500K Layoffs a Sharp Capitalist Turn

Raul Castro's slow reforms hastened by crap economy

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Fidel Castro • Cuba • Raul Castro

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Cuban Reforms May Endanger Classic US Cars

People might be able to buy modern ones for the first time

Jimmy Carter Lands in Cuba

He may push for release of American prisoner

Castro: I Actually Quit in 2006

Hasn't been head of Communist Party, or held any official position, since then

Che's Pal on Epic '52 Motorcycle Trip Dies

Alberto Granado lived out his days teaching in Cuba

Cuba's 500K Layoffs a Sharp Capitalist Turn

Raul Castro's slow reforms hastened by crap economy

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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Tools

More News

What is Newser?