Cuban Parliament Debates New Social Security Law

Havana, Dec 27.- The Cuban Parliament began its sessions on Saturday with debates on the new social security law, which was proposed as an alternative to the aging population in Cuba.

The draft bill, which will be voted on today, was discussed at work places nationwide throughout the year, which included modifications and proposals to the original text by the Cuban people themselves.

Saturday's debates are being carried out at the 2nd Ordinary Period of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power, whose permanent working commissions began its sessions earlier this week.

After agreeing on several proposals - among them the 2009 State budget - the parliamentarians also learned about the current work of various important ministries and national entities during this past year.

Among some of the important debates between deputies and ministers was the importance of substituting imports to recover an economy affected by hurricanes and Washington's economic blockade.

Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage highlighted that the high prices of imports are reflected in the consumer prices of the products which are offered by the Interior Trade Ministry.

Foreign Trade Minister Raúl de la Nuez reported that Cuba's exchange trade grew this year by 33 percent in comparison to 2007.

He highlighted the importance of the island's trade with Venezuela, China, Spain and Canada and added that the island's presence in the integration process in the region strengthens ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Regarding tourism, the sector grew two percent in 2008 despite the world financial crisis. Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero confirmed that Cuba received over two million tourists for the fifth consecutive year and closed 2008 with two million 350,000 visitors.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque highlighted that Cuba defeated Washington's attempts to isolate the Revolution during this past year. As an example of its failure, said the top Cuban diplomat, is the island's diplomatic ties with 181 of the 192 UN member nations. (RHC).