The national conference of Cuba's Communist Party ended on Sunday, as President Raul Castro called for political term limits and a fight against corruption in the Caribbean island.
At the two-day follow-up of the ruling party's Sixth Congress last April, Castro urged the setting of a limit of two five-year political terms for the country's officeholders, including the president.
The 80-year-old president tabled the proposal last year with an aim to encourage younger officials and gradually renew leadership in the government and the Communist Party.
Addressing more than 800 delegates at the end of the national conference, Castro reassured that the government would continue a "ceaseless fight" against corruption.
"To win the battle against corruption, we should first stop it and then shatter it without any hesitation," he said, adding that the government would disclose details about any cases under investigation.
Raul Castro, who succeeded his brother Fidel in 2006 and formally took office two years later, established the General Comptroller Office to deal with economic crimes and inefficiency in domestic companies.
The historic meeting came amid the country's economic reforms which allow Cubans to opensmall and private businesses and reduce payrolls in bloated state-owned companies.
The country in September also eased a 50-year-old ban on house and auto sales among individuals.
Castro called for the implementation of the reform resolutions approved at last year's congress aimed at boosting the country's stagnant economy.
As the ruling party's first secretary, Castro said it was necessary to create an environment ofmaximum confidence as well as conditions for the most sincere exchange of opinions.
All opinions should be given due respect, he said, calling for the media to display veracity and objectivity.
In the closing speech, Castro slammed the "brutal US campaigns" against Cuba, stressing that they would not affect the revolution or the Cuban people "who will continue to perfect socialism".
He also said the Cuban Communist Party would continue as the only recognized political party in the country and that "Cuba will never renounce its single political party policy."
Questions:
1. How old is Raul Castro?
2. When did Raul Castro succeed his brother?
3. What happened in September?
Answers:
1. 80 years old
2. In 2006
3. Cuba eased a 50-year-old ban on house and auto sales