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Sunday, July 22, 2018, 15:58
Cuba approves new leader's Cabinet
By Associated Press
Sunday, July 22, 2018, 15:58 By Associated Press

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, from left, Secretary, Council of State Homero Acosta Alvarez and First Vice President, Council of State Salvador Valdes Mesa, attend a National Assembly session in Havana, Cuba, July 21, 2018. Cuban lawmakers approved the Cabinet named by Diaz-Canel. (ABEL PADRON/AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS VIA AP)

HAVANA — Cuban lawmakers on Saturday approved the Cabinet named by new President Miguel Diaz-Canel, keeping most of the ministers from Raul Castro's government in place, except for in the key post of economic reform.

The national assembly also received a proposed reform of Cuba's 1976 constitution that would reshape its government, courts and economy, and pave the way for same-sex marriage

At the same time, the national assembly received a proposed reform of Cuba's 1976 constitution that would reshape its government, courts and economy, and pave the way for same-sex marriage, although it would maintain the Communist Party as the sole political force in the country. 

The charter will be put to a national referendum in the coming months then return to the assembly.

READ MORE: Cuba to reshape government with new constitution

Among the ministers kept in place in Diaz-Canel's Council of Ministers were three historic vice presidents: revolutionary commanders Ramiro Valdes, Ricardo Cabrisas and Gen Ulises Rosales del Toro. Foreign Minster Bruno Rodriguez, Foreign Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca and Finance Minister Lina Peraza will also remain in their posts.

The main change was the absence of economic reforms minister Marino Murillo.

Diaz-Canel replaced Castro in April in a historic changing of the guard in Cuba, but Saturday's Cabinet suggests continuity rather than immediate change.

Cuban officials have proposed a reform of the constitution, saying the current one does not reflect changes made in the country in the decades since 1976.

ALSO READ: Cabinet meet under new Cuban leader 'tackles tricky economy'

Members of the National Assembly vote during a session to update the current Constitution and present the new Council of Ministers, in Havana, Cuba, July 21, 2018. (ABEL PADRON/AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS VIA AP)

The new charter would create the position of prime minister alongside the president, splitting the roles of head of government and head of state.

It would enshrine new recognitions of the free market and private property in Cuban society, though the communist state would remain the dominant economic force. 

"We are before a total reform within the framework established by the principles of socialism," said Homero Acosta, the secretary of the Council of State in charge of presenting the reforms.

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