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Live: Opening of the 7th PCC Congress Granm

Saturday, April 16, 2016

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12:09-. Raul finished reading the Central Report. Delegates are now taking a recess before reconvening at 2pm when the work commissions will commence.

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12:09-.Raúl concluded by stressing the important and intense work ahead, describing the Congress as a fruitful and historic event committed to ensuring that Cuba remains a sovereign, independent, prosperous, sustainable and socialist nation.

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12:08-.Raúl noted that in the midst of a complex regional and global situation, Cuba will remain true to its founding foreign policy principles which the county has defended at the most difficult times and in the face of the most serious threats and challenges.

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12:07-.Raúl highlighted the limited reach of the Paris Summit in combating climate change given the lack of political will and irrational modes of consumption of industrialized nations.

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12:06-.Raúl highlighted the impact of the international financial crisis on Third World countries and achieving the UN social development goals, as well as the need to construct a new global financial system.

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12:06-.Raúl spoke about the situation in Syria and reaffirmed the country’s firm opposition to terrorism, of which Cuba has been a victim since the triumph of the Revolution.

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12:05-.Raúl mentioned the recent agreement reached with the Paris Club which will contribute to normalizing financial relations between the island and the international community. He also recalled Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba where he spoke about the principal causes of the problems affecting humanity, an event which also served to strengthen ties between the Holy See and Cuba on the 80th anniversary of their establishment. Raúl reiterated Cuba’s commitment to peace, highlighting the encounter between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill.

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12:04-.Raúl: We will continue to exchange experiences with leftist parties and governments.

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12:04-.Raúl noted Cuba’s solidarity with sister nations attempting to break the yoke of centuries of colonialism, noting that Cuba shares what is has, not what is left over, an example of which were the efforts of Cuban doctors in the fight against Ebola in West Africa.

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12:03-. Cooperation efforts with Haiti will continue to be afforded special priority, while Cuba will continue to develop relations with those friends and partners who have stood by the island over the years, stated the Army General.

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12:03-.Raúl stated that Cuba will continue to support the Colombian pace process, expressed solidarity with Argentina’s demand for recognition of its sovereign rights over the Malvinas, South Georgia and South SandwichIslands, as well as with Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination. He also noted the importance of consolidating integrationist organizations such as CELAC and the proclamation of Latin America as a Zone of Peace.

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12:01-.Raúl: We will never forget that the OAS, founded by the U.S. at the end of the previous century and start of the Cold War, has only served to further interests contrary to Our America. ………………………………………………………………………………..

12:01-.Raúl warned of renewed efforts by the U.S. and its allies to destroy processes of regional integration.

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12:00-.Raúl: We reaffirm our support for all the progressive governments whose efforts have resulted in tangible benefits for the vast majority of people in the most unequal region on the planet.

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12:00-. The Army General reiterated Cuba’s support and commitment to the Bolivarian and Chavista Revolution, President Maduro and his government, and rejection of U.S. attempts to isolate Venezuela at the same time as engaging in dialogue with Cuba.

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11:58-.Raúl commented that the region is facing an unconventional war, and that coups and destabilization attempts cannot be ruled out, as events in Venezuela and recently Bolivia indicate.

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11:55-.Raúl: There have been many declarations by U.S. officials making clear that their objectives have not changed, only the methods. Discussion in areas on which the two countries agree will proceed, to benefit the two peoples, but no one should expect that Cuba will renounce any of its principles

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11:54-.Raúl: Measures adopted by President Obama are positive but insufficient. If relations are to be normalized, the blockade must be lifted; territory illegally occupied by the Guantánamo naval base returned; subversive programs ended, along with policies which encourage irregular emigration.

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11:53-.Raúl noted that since December 17, 2014, some concrete actions have resulted from the dialogue, but the blockade remains in full force.

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11:52-.Raúl: The political map of Our America has changed under the advance of left wing forces and popular movements which haven given birth to integrationist organizations such as CELAC, which have isolated the United States within the hemisphere and constitutes a challenge to its regional policy.

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11:52-. Many important events have occurred since the 6th Congress. 15 months have transpired since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations – on the basis of sovereign equality and non-interference – with the United States. Fidel’s promise that the Cuban Five would return has been fulfilled. This has all been possible due to the historic resistance of the Cuban people and their loyalty to the Revolution, as well as international solidarity, in particular overwhelming support expressed in the UN, for an end to the blockade, stated the Army General.

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11:51-.Raúl recalled important upcoming dates in the country’s history of the defense of the homeland, including the 60th anniversary of the Granma landing and Fidel’s 90th birthday.

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11:50-.Raúl stressed that the Party, Cuban people and government will continue to defend the country against the threat of imperialism.

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11:49-. Such proposals will need to be incorporated into the Constitution, and any reform initiative should be approved by the National Assembly, and submitted to an extensive process of popular participation, including a constitutional referendum, he noted.

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11:48-.Raúl: It is no secret that my second term as President of the Councils of State and Ministers will end in 2018, and I will hand over my responsibilities to whoever is elected.

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11:47-. The Army General proposed to establish a maximum age of 60 years to join the Party Central Committee and 70 to occupy a leadership role in the PCC, limited to two consecutive terms. This, in order to systematically rejuvenate these bodies.

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11:46-.Raúl: Based on my experience over so many years of Revolution, women are more mature and better administrators than men.

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11:45-. Women only make up 38 % of administrative roles in state bodies, government organizations and higher business management entities.

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11:45-. The Army General recognized the increasing number of women in management roles but noted that more can be done in this respect.

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11:44-. Raúl called on Cubans to work systematically to combat racism in order to ensure greater access to leadership positions for Black and mixed-race Cubans.

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11:43-. Raúl criticized outdated mentalities and attitudes as obstacles to progress.

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11:43-. Raúl noted that number of women, Black and mixed race Cubans occupying leadership roles has progressively increased.

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11:41-.Raúl: The economy remains the fundamental issue to be addressed and political work is closely tied to the economic battle, since the people’s participation in the updating of our socio-economic model is essential.

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11:40-.Raúl: The development of the national economy, along with the struggle for peace and ideological clarity, are the Party’s principal missions.

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11:40-.Raúl: The best antidote to policies of subversion is to work in an integrated, comprehensive fashion – without improvisation. It is important to not let problems accumulate, build historical knowledge and national pride, and establish an environment of legality and respect.

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11:39-.Raúl cited as new challenges the hostile policies faced by the country, those directed toward the restoration of capitalism and ideological subversion; the implementation of the guidelines; and the environment created by the reestablishment of relations with the United States.

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11:38-.He spoke of the importance of developing the ideological culture of youth, anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism, both within the family and in schools.

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11:38-.Raúl commented that efforts are moving forward to promote a culture of communication, and end secretism.

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11:37-.Under these circumstances, bodies charged with combating subversive actions must maintain systematic, effective work.

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11:36-. Promotion of a consumerist society as a model for the future has increased, and irregular emigration is encouraged by the “wet foot-dry foot” policy and special treatment for Cuban émigrés, including Cuban collaborators working in international missions.

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11:34-.Raúl: The Party has the duty to ensure the participation of citizens in all societal decisions, emphasizing that the Party is not afraid of disagreement, since only frank, honest discussion among revolutionaries can produce solutions. We are aware that there is dissatisfaction with some cadre, and a lack of interest in the country’s political life, within some sectors.

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11:33-.Raúl said that the PCC must be a very democratic party, in which serious discussion can take place with full freedom, on any problem, emphasizing that we must be more alert than ever, since the U.S. has changed its strategy, but not its objective. The methods used will be more difficult to counteract, and having a single party means encouraging the broadest exchange of ideas possible, both within the organization and among the people and workers, without formalities, false unanimity, or pretense.

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11:32-.Returning to the issue of a single party in Cuba, Raul noted that the two principal parties in the United States are both beholden to the wealthy.

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11:31-.Raúl recalled that, in Cuba, the right to free, universal healthcare is considered a human right, as is education, and that women have equal pay.

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11:31-.Referring to human rights, an issue used to attack Cuba, Raúl reiterated that Cuba is willing to discuss the subject, but recalled that the country has signed 44 international conventions, while the U.S. is a signatory to only 18.

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11:30-.He reiterated that unity is one of the concepts that should never be confused, now or ever, noting that if such fragmentation is ever achieved someday, that would be the beginning of the end.

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11:29-.Raúl: It is no accident that those who want to weaken us attempt to divide us into many parties, in the name of bourgeois democracy.

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11:29-.Raúl recalled that Cuba has a single party, which has the honor of representing and guaranteeing unity, the principal tool we have had to carry out the work of the Revolution, and defend it against threats and aggression.

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11:28-.This presents challenges to preserving and strengthening national unity under new conditions.

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11:27-.Raúl emphasized that much attention must be paid to growing heterogeneity within society caused by differences in income, which is appearing as the country’s new model is implemented.

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11:26-.Raúl commented that the Party has prioritized attention to mass organizations and the Young Communists League, while continuing to develop ties with different religious organizations and fraternal associations, to contribute to the unity of believers and non-believers.

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11:25-. Raúl called on Party members and leaders to be examples, work in an organized manner, and demonstrate the organization’s political, ethical and ideological qualities in their everyday interactions with the masses. ………………………………………………………………………………..

11:24-. The Army General noted that the Party has carried out systematic efforts in implementing the agreements of the 6th Party congress while continuing to work to resolve the population’s problems.

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11:23-.Raúl noted that cooperatives and private businesses are not anti-socialist in their essence and that sector works defend the principles and benefit from the achievements of the Revolution.

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11:19-.Raúl: highlighted the influence of Marti, Fidel, and Marxist-Leninist thought on the conceptualization of Cuba’s socio-economic model.

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11:18-. The proposal aims to clarify and examine the key features of the country’s socio-economic model which serves as a guide for the construction of a Cuba’s very own sustainable and prosperous socialism, factoring in Cuban culture, its internal situation, the international context and experiences of other countries.

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11:18-.Raúl noted that a proposed conceptualization of the Cuban socio-economic model will be presented to the Congress for the first time.

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11:17-. He noted the positive development of the Cuban tourist industry, while also highlighting deficiencies which negatively impact the quality of services.

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11:17-.Raúl noted that last year saw the arrival of a record breaking 3.5 million tourists to the island.

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11:16-.Raúl: The expansion of non-hotel establishments and facilities benefits the tourism sector which can contribute to the development of other sector and generate more production chains.

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11:16-. Raul highlighted the international prestige of the Cuban healthcare system – an achievement of the Revolution – which is receiving great investment to further exploit and develop the sectors potential, with the aim of every day providing a better service to the population.

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11:15-.Too much food that could be produced in Cuba is imported, he emphasized.

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11:14-.Additionally, measures have been adopted to stimulate agricultural production, but their impact has yet to be fully felt, and the pace of growth in this sector is still insufficient.

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11:13-.Moving to another point, Raúl reported that the country’s GNP grew by 2.8%, despite the international economic crisis. He noted that the country has taken steps to restructure foreign debt and has achieved important results, contributing to grater credibility for the Cuban economy, which favors foreign investment and financing.

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11:12-.Nevertherless, we must concentrate efforts on consolidating cooperatives already established, and gradually advance in the creation of others, he said.

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11:11-.He said that strictly adhering to regulations has supported the success of the self-employed and cooperatives, noting that the development of non-agricultural cooperatives is still in the experimental stage, and that efforts must be made to clarify norms, especially in matters of accounting. The limited nature of the country’s wholesale market has hampered the work of cooperatives and the self-employed, as well, he said.

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11:09-.Raúl noted that self-employed workers offer much needed services, and are not facing discrimination, while reaffirming the socialist principle that the people maintain ownership of the basic means of production.

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11:09-.Addressing another issue, the report notes that employment in the non-state sector has increased, while it has been reduced in the state sector.

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11:08-. Speaking plainly, Raúl criticized delays and a general lack of planning seen in the implementation process thus far.

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11:07-. Raúl highlighted the importance of foresight and effective planning in order to avoid problems. ………………………………………………………………………………..

11:05-. Although the system of linking wages to results has helped to stimulate production and motivate the workforce, there remain other more elemental problems related to efficiency, such as staff training.

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11:04-. Raul noted positive experiences in several provinces following the implementation of certain economic measures, such as ensuring a stable supply of products which have enabled demand and supply markets to be effectively managed.

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11:03-. Recognition of the market in the functioning of Cuba’s socialist economy does not mean that the Party, Government and mass organizations are no longer fulfilling their role in solving the country’s problems, stated Raúl.

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11:00-.We cannot stand by without doing anything in the face of unscrupulous attitudes, he said.

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10:58-.Raúl noted that if a problem is not detected when it is still incipient, its correction becomes a bigger political problem, citing the problem of high food prices as an example. (When regulation of distribution was relaxed, hoarding and speculation appeared.)

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10:55-.Raúl commented that there were instances when thinking that drafting a paper and sending it to be read around the country constituted implementation, but when we went to see what happened, everyone was doing whatever they liked.

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10:52-.Raúl reported that there has been some delay in the implementation of Guidelines and various bodies, including the Permanent Commission in charge of this task, have had shortcomings and deficiencies, at times showing limited vision and a lack of comprehensiveness, especially in the evaluation of risks and the cost-benefit relationship.

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10:50-.The report refers to the experiment underway in the new provinces of Artemisa and Mayabeque, which among other efforts includes changes to separate more clearly the work of People’s Power bodies and government administration, with a view toward extending successful practices across the country.

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10:47-. Mariel will help to increase exports and stimulate imports, promote exchanges of technology and management systems and generate jobs, he noted. ………………………………………………………………………………..

10:45-.Raúl highlighted foreign investment as strategic and necessary to the country’s development.

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10:42-. The Cuban President noted the creation of the Mariel Special Development Zone with benefits designed to attract foreign investors.

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10:40-. The Army General highlighted the impact of the U.S. blockade and international financial crisis on the process of updating the country’s economic model.

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10:39-Raúl addressed the issue of Cuba’s aging population and internal migration from the countryside to cities, an important obstacle to development.

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10:38-. Despite the problems caused by the dual currency, Raúl reiterated that a wide range of basic products will continue to be subsidized.

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10:37-. The impact of the dual currency has prevented certain guidelines from being fulfilled. ………………………………………………………………………………..

10:36- Raúl also noted that the best example of the complexity of the process of implementing policy guideline is the country’s dual currency system which must be addressed in a timely fashion, but does not represent a magic solution to Cuba’s economic problems.

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10:29-Despite limited economic resources, health, educational, cultural, and sports services for the population have been improved, and efforts are focused on sustaining quality.

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10:27-Raúl asserted that in evaluating the pace of change, it cannot be forgotten that Cuba is committed to never implementing so-called shock therapies to the detriment of the most vulnerable. Health and education will never be privatized.

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10:26-These figures, he said, do not adequately reflect the work done, but in some cases approved implementation has been delayed.

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10:25-Raúl noted that 21% of the 313 Guidelines approved have been implemented, 77% are in the process, while 2% have not yet been initiated.

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10:24-We are advancing without haste, but without delay as well, with a comprehensive approach to assure success.

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10:18-. During the period which has transpired since the last Congress, Raúl says, two plenums of the Central Committee have been held every year, in which the process of implementation of the Guidelines has been analyzed.

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10:16-.Raúl: Participating in the 7th Congress, the highest body of the Party are 1,000 delegates proposed by the grassroots and elected democratically to represent more than 670,000 members.

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10:16-. Raúl notes that the opening coincides with the 55th anniversary of the declaration by Fidel of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution, and the burial of victims of the bombings of airports the previous day.

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10:15-.To present the Central Report, Raúl takes the floor.

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10:12-. Machado Ventura officially inaugurates the Congress.

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10:10-.He continues: The Congress is the culmination of months of work … All sectors of society are represented, 43.1% of delegates are women, 362% Black or mixed race.

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10:07-.Machado Ventura: On a day like today, on the even of a decisive battle, the Party was born, to guarantee unity, justice and independence.

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10:05-.First Secretary of the PCC Central Committee, Raúl Castro enters the hall, accompanied by Second Secretary José Ramón Machado Ventura to applause. The national anthem is played.

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10:00-.Cuban television begins live coverage of Congress, with 1,000 delegates and 280 invitees in attendance.

(Granma)

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