LOOKING BACK AT THE UPS AND DOWN IN RAUL’S CAREER

Here are key dates in the life of Cuba’s outgoing President Raul Castro, the brother and successor of the late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro:

June 3, 1931

President Raul Castro was born in Biran, a village in eastern Cuba

1953

Raul is sentenced to 13 years in prison for attacking a military barracks with a group of revolutionaries led by his brother Fidel. He is released two years later as part of an amnesty

1956

Takes part in an expedition led by his brother that leaves from Mexico to wage revolution in Cuba, becoming a military commander the following year

1959

After his brother unseats dictator Fulgencio Batista, Raul is appointed Cuban defense minister, holding the post until 2008

1961

Leads operations against the attempted invasion by US-backed anti-Castro forces in the Bay of Pigs

1976

Officially becomes number two in the government, as first vicepresident of the Council of State

1989

Plays the role of “prosecutor” in the trial of General Arnaldo Ochoa, a hero of the Angola war executed after drug trafficking accusations

2006

He is handed power by his sick brother Fidel, taking over officially as president in 2008

2010

Gives the green light for the release of dissident political prisoners, hailed as a breakthrough

2011

Succeeds Fidel as head of the all-powerful Cuban Communist Party

2013

Raul was re-elected for a last presidential term

2014

Announces a historic rapprochement with Washington, 52 years after the US embargo on the island. The two countries re-establish diplomatic ties the following year