cuba permits sale of electronics, appliances - electrical appliance suppliers

Cubans are no longer banned from buying computers and other electrical appliances that were previously sold only legally to companies and foreigners in Communist countries.
The move is the first sign of Raul Castro's goal of improving his living standards, something he talked about after taking office last month.
According to an internal government memo seen by Reuters on Thursday, restrictions on the sale of home computers, DVD players, rice cookers, electric bicycles and microwave ovens will be lifted and will take effect immediately.
The memorandum cited "improved power supply" as the reason for the change.
Last year, some DVD players relaxed customs rules through the airport. Much-
The required air conditioning will be sold in 2009.
If the limited power supply on the island can be maintained, the toaster and electric oven will be on the list in 2010, the memo said.
The Cuban authorities restricted the sale of electrical appliances in the 1990 s in response to the loss of oil supplies and subsidies following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Over the past few years, Venezuela, Cuba's ally, has eased fuel shortages in an effort to increase electricity production.