Raul Castro named 1st Party secretary as Fidel left off list
Source: Agencies |
April 20, 2011, Wednesday
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RAUL Castro was named first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party yesterday, with his aging brother Fidel not included in the leadership for the first time since the party's creation 46 years ago.
Despite raising hopes during the gathering in Havana that a new generation of leaders was poised to take up important positions, Raul announced that Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, an 80-year-old longtime confidante, would be his No. 2.
Ramiro Valdes, a 78-year-old vice president, was named to the No. 3 spot. Several younger people were added to the 15-member leadership group, but in lesser positions.
Fidel Castro, 84, made a surprise appearance at the gathering, receiving thunderous applause from the 1,000 delegates assembled in a vast convention center in the capital.
Many could be seen crying as he was helped to his place on stage by a young aide, then stood at attention next to his brother during the playing of Cuba's national anthem.
The revolutionary icon, who wore a blue track suit over a checked shirt, looked unsteady on his feet as he clutched the aide's arm, and at times slumped in his chair. But he became more animated as the proceedings continued, especially when Raul's name was read out by a party official announcing the members of the party's Central Committee.
That larger group is tasked with picking the leadership council. For the first time since the party's founding in 1965, Fidel was not included in the names of Central Committee members, which were called out alphabetically.
Each newly elected official stood up, revealing a mix of young and old, including many women and Cubans of African descent. There were also a number of generals and other senior armed forces officials.
The Congress also approved 300 economic proposals, though details have still not emerged. Apparently included in the measures was a recommendation to legalize the buying and selling of private property, which has been heavily restricted.
Also on the table was a proposal to eventually eliminate the monthly ration book, which provides Cubans with a basic basket of heavily subsidized food and other goods.
Other measures envision providing seed capital for would-be entrepreneurs and eliminating the island's unique dual-currency system.
The Party Congress does not have the power to enact the changes into law, but the suggestions are expected to be acted upon quickly by the National Assembly.
In a speech opening the Congress this weekend, Raul warned that a new generation was needed to take over when the old guard is gone.
He even proposed term limits for officials, including the president.
Despite raising hopes during the gathering in Havana that a new generation of leaders was poised to take up important positions, Raul announced that Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, an 80-year-old longtime confidante, would be his No. 2.
Ramiro Valdes, a 78-year-old vice president, was named to the No. 3 spot. Several younger people were added to the 15-member leadership group, but in lesser positions.
Fidel Castro, 84, made a surprise appearance at the gathering, receiving thunderous applause from the 1,000 delegates assembled in a vast convention center in the capital.
Many could be seen crying as he was helped to his place on stage by a young aide, then stood at attention next to his brother during the playing of Cuba's national anthem.
The revolutionary icon, who wore a blue track suit over a checked shirt, looked unsteady on his feet as he clutched the aide's arm, and at times slumped in his chair. But he became more animated as the proceedings continued, especially when Raul's name was read out by a party official announcing the members of the party's Central Committee.
That larger group is tasked with picking the leadership council. For the first time since the party's founding in 1965, Fidel was not included in the names of Central Committee members, which were called out alphabetically.
Each newly elected official stood up, revealing a mix of young and old, including many women and Cubans of African descent. There were also a number of generals and other senior armed forces officials.
The Congress also approved 300 economic proposals, though details have still not emerged. Apparently included in the measures was a recommendation to legalize the buying and selling of private property, which has been heavily restricted.
Also on the table was a proposal to eventually eliminate the monthly ration book, which provides Cubans with a basic basket of heavily subsidized food and other goods.
Other measures envision providing seed capital for would-be entrepreneurs and eliminating the island's unique dual-currency system.
The Party Congress does not have the power to enact the changes into law, but the suggestions are expected to be acted upon quickly by the National Assembly.
In a speech opening the Congress this weekend, Raul warned that a new generation was needed to take over when the old guard is gone.
He even proposed term limits for officials, including the president.
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