LatinNews Daily Report - 21 February 2012

Cuba | Yzqueirdo promoted. On 20 February the daily Granma officially reported the promotion of Abel Yzqueirdo, the economy minister, to become one of the eight vice-presidents on the council of ministers, which is the highest ranking executive body in the Cuban system. According to Granma, Yzqueirdo, 66, was promoted at the suggestion of President Raúl Castro with the approval of the council of state. Yzqueirdo was appointed economy minister in March 2011, replacing Marino Murillo, who was made overall economic reform czar. Murillo also sits on the council of ministers. Yzqueirdo is also a member of the politbureau.