HAVANA ( AP) — One of Cuba’s most senior officials is leaving the Cabinet of President Raul Castro.
The Communist Party newspaper Granma announces that Vice President Jose Ramon Fernandez is leaving his post. The 88-year-old former general helped mold the communist country’s new army and commanded defenses at the Bay of Pigs.
Granma reported Thursday that he is being named a special adviser to Castro in recognition of his service to the country. He is being replaced by 51-year-old higher education minister Miguel Diaz-Canel.
Deputy Rodolfo Alarcon Ortiz is being elevated to Canel’s post.
Jose M. Miyar Barrueco is also leaving his position as minister of Science, Technology and Environment.
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