Cuba will not renounce the principles and ideals for which generations of Cubans have fought
The economic plan and state budget for 2016 was approved by the National Assembly of People’s Power on December 29. It was reported that the Cuban economy has grown by 4%
Author: Yenia Silva Correa | informacion@granma.cu
Author: Katheryn Felipe | informacion@granma.cu
Author: Nuria Barbosa León | informacion@granma.cu
december 31, 2015 09:12:27
Sixth Ordinary Session of the Eighth Legislature of the National Assembly of People’s Power Photo: Jorge Luis González
THE history of our Revolution is full of glorious chapters in the face of challenges, risks and threats, the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, stated during his speech closing the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Eighth Legislature of the National Assembly of People’s Power, December 29.
The Cuban head of state noted that despite the economic crisis and the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba, the island’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4% this year, and will continue to grow in 2016, albeit at a slower pace.
He also noted that the number of foreign tourists visiting the country this year rose to 3.5 million; the highest number recorded to date; and reaffirmed the Cuban government’s intention to honor its commitments resulting from the agreements reached in the renegotiation of the island’s debt.
Regarding the issue of relations with the United States, President Raúl Castro stressed that Cuba has repeatedly advised the U.S. government that in order to normalize bilateral relations, the blockade must be lifted and the territory illegally occupied by the Guantánamo Naval Base must be returned, “as I explained in my statement in the Council of Ministers on the 18th, during which I also reaffirmed that Cuba should not be asked to abandon its independence cause, or renounce the principles and ideals for which generations of Cubans have fought, for a century and a half.”