Cuban exile group demands political change

With just over a week to go before the Pope's visit to Cuba, the island's main exile group, the Cuban American National Foundation, or CANF, has reiterated its demands to bring about an end to communist rule.

In a manifesto, the CANF which has spearheaded opposition to the authorities in Havana, called for the removal from power of President Castro, and his brother Raul as a prerequisite for a transition to democratic rule.

It also made a number of other proposals, including the introduction of a market economy and an amnesty for political prisoners.

Correspondents say the CANF is hopeful the Pope's visit to Cubawill help promote political change.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service