<sod >Cuba has confirmed that Miguel Diaz-Canel, a Communist Party loyalist, is to replace Raul Castro as president - bringing an end to the 59-year era of rule under the Castro brothers.< eod>< sod > Cuba has confirmed that Miguel Diaz-Canel, a Communist Party loyalist, is to replace Raul Castro as president â bringing an end to the 61-year era of rule under the Castro brothers,Â though almost certainly not their influence or power.< eod>