Raul Castro was last night named president of Cuba, ending his brother Fidel Castro's 49-year rule but keeping the country on a Communist path.Raul, 76, nodded and smiled as the National Assembly applauded his election by the rubber-stamp legislature. He was the sole candidate proposed for head of state.
In his first speech as Cuba's new leader, Raul said he could continue to consult Fidel on important decisions of state. He also vowed to be on guard against US "meddling". "We have taken note of the offensive and openly meddling declarations by the empire and some of its closest allies."