Domestic Affairs: Mario Enrique Mayo, one of 75 dissidents arrested in the 2003 crackdown is released for health reasons. The Ladies in White are not allowed to travel to Strasbourg to receive the European Union's Sakharov Award. Opposition organizations and personalities warn about an increase in the repression against dissidents. Foreign Affairs Minister Felipe Pérez Roque delivers a closing speech at the National Assembly about the post-Castro era.

Economy: Fidel Castro continues to mobilize thousands of young people to fight corruption. China grants Cuba a line of credit worth 50 million yuans. ECLAC officials express concern on the method used by Cuba to measure its economic growth. Cuba announces an 11.8 percent growth in 2005.

Foreign Affairs: Fidel Castro strengthens relations with the Caribbean nations at a CARICOM summit. The European Union expresses regret that the Cuban government refused to allow the Ladies in White to fly to Strasbourg. Bolivian President-elect Evo Morales and Fidel Castro sign in Havana important agreements on health and education.

Security: Russia's second-ranking military officer holds talks in Havana with Defence Minister Raúl Castro.

Terrorism: Havana is site of an exploratory meeting between Colombia's insurgent ELN and representatives of the government.