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The new deputies to the People´s Power National Assembly (parliament) took oath today in solemn session after authorities of the National Electoral Commission (CEN) examined and validated their election certificates.

The youngest deputy Liaena Hernandez Martines, 18 and student leader of the eastern province of Guantánamo, read the oath on behalf of the 614 deputies of the 7th legislature of the Cuban Parliament.

Loyalty to the countryland, to comply and watch over the compliance of the Constitution of the Republic together with the rest of judicial norms, to carry out all the obligations imposed by their investiture and the subordination to the electors´will, formed part of the text read by Hernandez.

CEN president, Maria Esther Reus validated the quórum established for the session, by certifying the attendance of 597 deputies, for 97.23 percent of those elected, and only 17 justified absentees, among them that of Fidel Castro for health reasons.

Of the 614 parliamentarians, 285 are grassroots delegates for 46.42 per cent, 348 are men and 266 women.

Reus highlighted that the high women participation in the legislative organ is a recognition by the people to the efforts and perseverante of women through difficult and complex years.

She added that 131 deputies are between 18 and 40 years of age, 371 are in the group from 41 to 60 (17.25 percent), while 56 percent of all deputies was born after the triumph of the Revolution in 1959 and the age average is 49 years.

The CEN president commended the young deputies represent not only the natural access by new generations to the decision-taking posts, but also the continuity of the revolutionary process that started in January, 1959.

She indicated that 481 deputies are higher education graduates (78.34 per cent), 127 with medium high education, and when both figures are added, there are 608 deputies with higher and medium high education level (99.02 percent).

As for racial origin, 35.67 percent are black and mulattoes and 395 are white, for 64.33 percent, data corresponding to current ethnic composition of Cuban population.

Of the total, 175 deputies are linked to production and service activities (workers, farmers, educators and the health sector, among others), as well as 25 to scientific research.

She added that of the new deputies, 10 are sportspeople, 16 are media workers and 26 are writers, artists and cultural workers, four belong to religious institutions and 39 are chiefs, officers, and members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Interior Ministries.

The Havana International Book Fair wrapped up here at its traditional Morro-Cabanas site, but the literary celebration will continue in Havana and other Cuban provinces until March 2.

The award for best the international book stand went to the Galicia Pavilion, on account of its exquisite design, “a true medley of its culture and idiosyncrasy”, the jury said. .

Galicia’s Culture and Sports Director Luis Bara thanked book fair organizers for the award and praised the Cuban people´s interest in Galician culture.

This was a great opportunity to present Galicia to the world. We

came here with our history and present our inheritance in this island

and consolidate the future, he said.

Iroel Sanchez, chairman of the organizing committee, announced that the 2008 Book Fair will go on in 44 Havana bookstores, alongside exhibitions in the western province of Pinar del Rio and central Sancti Spiritus.

In all battles waged, Cuban leader Fidel Castro has always had the conviction of winning, Guatemalan veteran revolutionary Ricardo Rosales affirmed Sunday.
Cuban Grassroots Orgs Extol Fidel Castro

Rosales told Prensa Latina that Fidel Castro has been able to turn setbacks into victories, even in the most difficult times.

He recalled the attack on the Moncada Garrison in 1953, when many combatants were killed and others arrested, however it led to Fidel Castro”s “History Will Absolve Me” speech where he outlined the Revolution”s program.

Years later, when the Granma yacht touched land, Batista”s air force dispersed the members of the expedition, and with only a few men, the chief of the rebel army decided to continue fighting, he pointed out.

The former member of the General Command of the Guatemalan guerrillas also recalled crucial times after the triumph of the Revolution in 1959, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion and the October Crisis, where Fidel Castro”s stature was manifested.

“The leader of the Cuban Revolution has been able to face the world”s most powerful country for over half a century,” he asserted.

Referring to Fidel Castro”s decision not to aspire to re-election, the Guatemalan revolutionary declared he has always been realistic, conscious and lucid enough to make decisions in the interest of his people.

Rosales expressed his certainty that the Cuban leader”s thoughts will be a source for strengthening the ideological and political force, not only in Cuba but in all countries of the world.

During his regular Sunday Alo Presidente TV program, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez highlighted Raul Castro”s election by the National Peoples Power Assembly as president of Cuba”s Council of State.
Venezuela to Announce Economic Policy

Chavez stressed that the new president has been an inseparable partner of his brother Fidel Castro since the days of Moncada and the Sierra Maestra.

Raul has always been there, in silence but actively working, faithful to the revolution, to the Cuban people and to Fidel, the Venezuelan president affirmed.

The Venezuelan revolution owes many thanks Fidel Castro, Raul and the Cuban people.

Chavez also stressed Fidel Castro”s conscious decision to renounce reelection.

Ricardo Alarcon, incumbent president of Cuba”s National Assembly of People”s Power, was reelected to his post Sunday during the opening of the assembly”s seventh legislature.

Infografía: Presidencia Asamblea Nacional

Alarcon was reelected a third time as the National Assembly”s president, with incumbent vice president Jaime Crombet also reelected.

Miriam Brito was elected secretary, replacing Ernesto Suarez.

Alarcon, born May 21, 1937 in Havana, is a graduate of the University of Havana with a doctorate in philosophy.

He became active in Cuba”s revolutionary struggle while at the university, where he was appointed president of the Federation of University Students in 1959.

In 1962, he was appointed director of the Foreign Ministry”s Americas division. Between 1966 and 1978 he served as Cuba”s permanent representative to the United Nations.

In 1978, he was appointed first vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He became Foreign Affairs minister in 1992 until, in February 1993, he became president of the Cuban National Assembly.

He is a member of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party since the Party”s second congress, and was promoted to the Political Board in the fifth congress.

On January 20, 2008, Alarcon was elected deputy from the Plaza de la Revolucion municipality.