As a drastic measure in response to tightened US sanctions, Cuba said Monday that it will ban transactions in US dollars in the country starting Nov. 8.

Under the Central Bank decree read on national television, Cubans will still be allowed to possess US dollars, but all commercial transactions in US dollars will be banned.

Instead, a "convertible peso" with equal value to the dollar will be used. A 10-percent commission is to be charged when the dollar is converted into the new currency.

"As of November 8, the dollar will not be accepted in our shops, which will only accept convertible pesos," the decree said.

Other foreign currencies, such as the euro, the British pound, Swiss francs and Canadian dollars, will still be accepted in the country, according to the decree.

The new restriction was adopted in response to tighter US sanctions announced last June that limit money transfers to Cuban citizens from relatives in the United States as well as family visits to the island.

The United States has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba for 43 years.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2004)