CUBA-POLITICS: Slow Economic Reform and Political Continuity

By Dalia Acosta Reprint | | Print |

Dalia Acosta

HAVANA, Oct 9 1997 (IPS) - Socialism, the single-party system and the State as the guiding force of the economy are the key points to be reaffirmed by the fifth congress of Cuba’s governing Communist Party, which closes Friday.

On the second day of the most important gathering of Cuba’s communists, observers say it seems clear that while the fourth congress in 1991 outlined the country’s economic ight years, in politics it will not budge on either socialism or the single-party system.

But wcommander-in-chief of the armed forces – is not yet clear.

Esteban Lazo, a member of the party’s 25-mem details that the prolongation of the crisis has so ratified the exceptional powers granted the 225-member Central Committee in 1991, which allowthe decisions and measures necessary for defending the Cuban revolution.

“We are studying all experiences and are op in Havana’s Palace of Conventions, kept a tight lid on information until nearly the vening by the state TV and radio stations. An edited official version is expected to be aired later.

The e organisations.

Castro said that since the collapse of the eassland nation. The United States is engaged in an “economic and political war” against Cuba, he added.

But he acknowledged two positive gesasures.

With respect to one of the population’s mainility of Cuba’s socialist system is directly linked to the government’s capacity to maintain gms will play an essential role in that process. The reforms will apparently mainwhich it acts as a positive factor for the economy.”

Future reforms will mainly concentrate on peechanisms necessary for bringing their efficiency up to par with that of the emergy of the unity, democracy and human rights that we defend,” a document that was submitted to the consideration of more tist system.

The fifth congress closes Friday after electn order to make room for the new generation of leaders.

On Saturday, funeral.