Havana: The Cuban Communist Party has said it will maintain its monopoly on political power as the government introduces measures to lift the country's creaking economy, Spain's EFE news agency reported on Wednesday.

Cuba cannot accommodate "adversaries, fifth columnists and internal mercenaries", party mouthpiece Granma said in its Wednesday edition, adding that that it will not entertain dissidence.

The Granma in its editorial referred to a meeting held last week in Miami between lawmakers and top officials from the US, Central America and Eastern Europe, which agreed that supporting internal dissidents could foster "democratic change" in the island nation.

"The 'strategic' changes that the empire's prophets of doom yearn will not happen because there would be an ideal socialism - defended by a united people - under the guidance of Fidel and Raul (Castro) and the Party leadership," the report said.

Raul took over as Cuban president from his older brother Fidel Castro Feb 24 after serving as provisional leader since July 2006 when Fidel fell ill. Raul has vowed to reform the country's economy.

The report dismissed the 45-year-old US economic embargo against the island nation, as "tactical" and "cosmetic".

Over the past few weeks, Raul Castro has lifted some of the restrictions on Cubans such as access to consumer goods like DVD players, computers and mobile phones.

 

Source : IANS