Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Eighth Legislature of the Cuban National Assembly Commences
The eighth period of ordinary sessions of the National Assembly of People’s Power is being presided by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz

Redacción Nacional | internet@granma.cu
December 27, 2016 15:12:29
Photo: Juvenal Balán

With Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers and over 500 deputies in attendance, the plenary session of the eighth period of ordinary sessions of the Eighth Legislature of the National Assembly of People’s Power was inaugurated, which saw a tribute to Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro, faithful defender of the people.

A video recalling the mark left by Fidel on the Cuban parliament was screened, featuring fragments of his speeches and a montage of images depicting his active participation in every National Assembly Session, where the halls of Havana’s International Convention Center became the site of debates and struggle in various battles fought by the Cuban people, such those related to the country’s economy, the fall of the socialist camp, for the return of little Elián González and the Cuban Five.

“I promise that I will be with you, if you so wish, for as long as I feel that I can be useful - and if it is not decided by nature before - not a minute less and not a second more ... Now I understand that it was not my destiny to rest at the end of my life,” was one of the recordings played before deputies, who responded with applause.

The President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and deputy for Santiago de Cuba since the body was founded in 1976, Esteban Lazo Hernández, noted that the tribute invites all to reflect on what the concept of Revolution means to them. “Let us think about every one of these fundamental reflections which, with a firm and lasting commitment, we are called upon every day to fulfill.”

He also commented on the nine-day period of national mourning during which the Cuban people paid tribute to the eternal Comandante following the news of his death; and highlighted the many gestures of solidarity and grief sent by communities, figures, and organizations from all over the world.

Lazo Hernández welcomed new deputies to the Cuban Parliament who formally assumed their duties yesterday, December 26.

The new representatives include: Teresa Valentina Martínez, San Antonio de los Baños; Leonardo Aldé Almenares, Bauta; Susely Morfa González, 10 de octubre; Félix Julio Alfonso López, Habana Vieja; Julio César García García, Batabanó; Adolfo Rodríguez Nodals, Sagua la Grande; Isisnaisy Ramos Acevedo, Cabaiguán; Julio Rodríguez Ortiz, Holguín; and Wilmer Frómeta Guevara, Contramaestre.

Lazo noted that in accordance with regulations, all new deputies were provided with an extensive report of the agreements adopted in previous sessions, including, among other aspects, key activities undertaken by commissions across different spheres such as combating corruption, crime and illegalities; responding to proposals by citizens; auditing and control; public meetings regarding issues which affect the people; as well as exchanges and efforts to strengthen links with delegations from various continents.

Also featuring in the report was a review of the state of relations between deputies and the people; efforts to perfect local bodies of People’s Power; responses to complaints; work with cadres and their reserves; as well as an evaluation of municipal and provincial activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the creation of People’s Power bodies.

The first item of the day addressed by the legislators was related to the country’s economic performance in 2016, and the national and state budget proposal for 2017.

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