US gears up for post-Castro era in Cuba

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States should act fast to boost a transitional government in Cuba when President Fidel Castro's rule ends and get advisors on the ground within weeks, a U.S. government report recommends.

The report, which was ordered by President George W. Bush and is due to be released next week, also recommends a new U.S. "democracy fund" for communist-run Cuba worth $80 million over two years to boost opposition to Castro.

In addition, the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, suggested yearly funding for Cuban democracy programs of $20 million until Castro's "dictatorship ceases."

The report, obtained by Reuters on Friday, was bound to irritate Castro, who has been in power since 1959 and has long accused Washington of meddling in Cuban affairs.
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The report accused Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of giving funds to subvert democracy in Cuba. Chavez, a firm Castro ally, has helped Cuba economically through oil import deals.

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