Havana Historian Eusebio Leal said on Wednesday that the production, trade, and traditions of tobacco are part of the Cuban cultural heritage and a national legacy that remains in the preference of millions of people around the world.»

Eleven Cuban athletes will participate in the IAAF World Indoor Championships to be held in the city of Istanbul, Turkey, from March 9-10, local authorities said.»

Thousands of students took to the streets on Wednesday in some 20 Spanish cities to protest against budget cuts in health and education implemented by authorities.»

A selection of musicians from the Rouen Opera Orchestra, France, will give a concert in Cuba on March 2 and 3, as part of cultural exchange between the European country and Cuba.»

Outstanding former baseball player Lourdes Gourriel returned to his home in Sancti Spiritus after a long hospitalization in Havana due to a cardiac disorder. He said he was glad to be back and promised to stick to the prescribed medical treatment.»

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was successfully operated in Havana on Monday and is now in good physical condition, announced the Executive Vice president of the Government, Elias Jaua.»

Cuba warned on Tuesday that a civil war in Syria, or an intervention of foreign forces, can impose serious consequences for all mankind and in particular, for the convulsive region of the Middle East.»

The capital reconstruction of Sancti Spiritus Teatro Principal (Principal Theater), symbol of the Cuban central city, has entered the final stages while approximating the 70% of its total execution with a plausible result in the already finished areas.»

The winners of the Escribania Dollz’s Love Letter International Contest were announced this Saturday in Sancti Spiritus, within the framework of the XXI Book Fair event.»

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Havana on Friday night, and was welcomed by his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro.  Chavez traveled to Cuba for medical care due to a new lesion found in the same area where a tumor was removed in June 2011.»