Cuba Communists 'expel' ex-FM

Mr Robaina used to be one of the regime's rising stars

Speculation is mounting that Cuba's charismatic former foreign minister, Roberto Robaina, has been kicked out of the country's Communist Party.

Mr Robaina, once one of the most powerful men on the island, was dismissed as foreign minister in 1999, but he has retained a seat on the National Assembly, the island's legislature.

No reason was ever given for his fall from President Castro's grace, but now a video shown to party leaders which addresses the subject reportedly asserts Mr Robaina was "disloyal to the revolution".

Mr Robaina was a gregarious and popular minister, widely seen as a potential successor to President Fidel Castro.

He was also a man who influenced many current Cuban officials, and correspondents suggest this may explain why the party elite has felt obliged to explain his departure.

Respected diplomat

Mr Robaina was appointed foreign minister in 1993, overseeing Cuba's foreign policy during years of extreme economic hardship that followed the collapse of the former Soviet Union.

Castro has designated brother Raul as his designated successor

He was credited abroad with helping Cuba expand and strengthen its ties with many nations.

But in the video, President Castro's brother, Raul, reportedly rebukes Mr Robaina for his close ties to international political figures as well as foreign reporters during this period.

In particular he is said to be taken to task over unauthorised contacts in the 1990s with former Spanish Foreign Minister Abel Matutes.

He is also charged with accepting favours from former Mexican governor Mario Villanueva, who is currently under investigation for alleged links to a drug cartel.

And the video reportedly condemns Mr Robaina for seeking the advice of television image consultants with an eye towards his future in a post-Castro era.

President Castro has explicitly named brother Raul as his successor.

Cuba's Communist party is the country's only legal political movement and has a monopoly on all government positions.

In addition to being booted from the party, the party elite has also reportedly recommended that Mr Robaina be stripped off his seat in the National Assembly.

The legislature faithfully follows the party line.