Young Cuban promoted

Roberto Robaina, 37, head of the Cuban Communist Party's youth wing since 1986 and a member of President Fidel Castro's inner circle, has been appointed Foreign Minister in place of Ricardo Alarcon, 55, a career diplomat, writes Colin Harding.

Mr Robaina, who is often mentioned as a possible successor to President Castro, has had the difficult job of selling the party to Cuba's disaffected youth. Mr Alarcon has been named president of the National Assembly of People's Power.