Raul Castro: Cuba's 'socialist character' not up for negotiation

US President Donald Trump has threatened to reverse course on Cuba. Former President Barack Obama had begun to normalize relations with the Caribbean nation, but Trump could halt the progress made by pressing for political reforms. At a special session of the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba's President Raul Castro said the country's political system is not up for negotiation.

Cuba's Parliament, the National Assembly of People's Power, normally meets twice a year in December and July. But President Raul Castro called it back for a special session on Thursday to ratify updates to the island's economic plans and reforms.

Cuba is in the process of implementing economic reforms. /VCG Photo

Under Raul Castro, Cuba already has a mixed economy. The centrally-controlled state sector still dominates, but more than half a million Cubans are classified as self-employed. Their businesses, though, have no legal status so they cannot import, export or access wholesale goods and there is growing pressure for change.

The National Assembly voted unanimously to approve the updated reforms – or guidelines as they are called. It is believed the updates include the recognition of small and medium sized private enterprises. Yet so far, no details have emerged of what the changes involve, according to CGTN's Michael Voss, who is reporting from Havana.

Cuba's most recent economic reform may include the recognition of small and medium sized private enterprises. /VCG Photo

President Castro has delivered a closing speech on state television, indicating that whatever the economic reforms are, Cuba was not about to change politically.

"We reaffirm the socialist character of the Cuban revolution and the role of the Communist Party as the superior guiding force of society and the state,” said Castro.

Further growth of Cuban economy relies on restoration of ties with the US. /VCG Photo

Raul Castro is due to step down as president in 2018 and his goal is to create the conditions for what he terms a "prosperous and sustainable socialism".

However, Cuba’s economy is in trouble at the moment. The crisis in Venezuela has forced Cuba’s major ally to reduce much needed subsidized oil shipments. Tourism is booming thanks to restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US, but that may be under threat considering Trump’s request for political reform.

The message from Havana is that the country is not about to make political concessions even as it continues to open up economically.

(CGTN)