Raul Castro and Diaz-Canel Attending Key Session of Parliament

Havana, 21 Dec (PL) The first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Raul Castro, and President Miguel Diaz-Canel are attending on Friday a session of the National Assembly where the draft of the country's new Constitution is presented and will be submitted to plenary vote.

The beginning of the second ordinary period of the 9th Legislature at the Convention Center in Havana hosts the last legislative discussion of the draft that was enriched by opinions and proposals from the popular consultation held from August 13 to November 15, with the participation of almost nine million Cubans who made more than 780,000 suggestions.

Raul Castro headed the 33 representatives' commission in charge of drafting the Magna Carta to be supported in plenary by the parliamentarians in this ordinary period, which will continue Saturday, leading to a referendum -scheduled for February- so that the people can decide by direct and secret vote whether to approve it or not.

The draft Constitution consulted with Cubans living on and off the island underwent important changes, more than 750, based on citizens' criteria.

The initiative ratifies the Cuban socialist character and the governing role of the Communist Party in its society, modifies the structure of the State, broadens individual rights and recognizes various forms of property, including private property.

This Friday's plenary session will also address the results of the economy and projections for 2019 in terms of budget and economic plan.