PM hails democracy chance for Cuba

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said: "This is now an opportunity to make progress towards a peaceful transition to a pluralist democracy."

But he stressed: "These are matters for the Cuban people."

President Castro has announced he will not seek re-nomination as his country's leader, after a long period of illness.

Mr Brown's spokesman went on: "Our position on Cuba is a long-standing one, which is that we have always sought to encourage a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba, as well as a greater respect for human rights and the unconditional release of all political prisoners.

"Anything which encourages progress down that path is something we would welcome."

MPs said the departure of the ailing 81-year-old leader could open up a new era in the communist state's relations with the rest of the world.

Labour MP Ian Gibson, chairman of the parliamentary all party group on Cuba, said: "I think it has been inevitable as he has obviously been very ill and cannot carry on at the maximum level of interest as he would wish.

"At some time the reins of office have to pass on.

"I think it will be a most interesting time."