NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF PEOPLE’S
POWER
Speech by President Raúl Castro Ruz, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Councils of State and Ministers, at the close of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Eighth Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power, in the Havana Convention Center, December 20, 2014, “Year 56 of the Revolution”.
december 23, 2014 10:12:51
Compañeras and compañeros:
We have experienced intense and moving moments
in recent days. This December we successfully hosted the Fifth Caricom-Cuba
Summit and the XIII Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our
America last Sunday, an occasion on which we paid tribute to its creators: the
dear Bolivarian President Hugo Chávez Frías and Commander in Chief of the Cuban
Revolution, compañero Fidel Castro Ruz (Applause).
We are joined in this session by Gerardo,
Ramón and Antonio, a cause for genuine joy and happiness for all our people – I
will expand on this important issue in the final part of my speech.
Also present are Fernando and René, and the
relatives of the Five heroes, together with the young Elián González, his
father Juan Miguel and Colonel Orlando Cardoso Villavicencio, Hero of the
Republic of Cuba, who suffered severe imprisonment for over 10 years in
Somalia.
As has been customary in sessions of our
Parliament, it is my responsibility to review the performance of the economy
during the year which is ending and the Plan and Budget for 2015, issues which
have been thoroughly debated by deputies in the 10 commissions and also in the
plenary session yesterday.
The Ninth Plenary of the Central Committee of
the Party, held last Thursday, was also devoted to analysis of these issues.
Therefore, I will make only brief reference to these matters. It was explained
that the Gross Domestic Product, known as GDP, grew by 1.3%, lower than
initially planned, influenced by poor performance in the first half of the
year, during which major financial constraints were faced due to the lack of
foreign income, adverse weather conditions and internal weaknesses in economic
management.
In fact during the second half of the year, a
modest reverse in that trend and a superior outcome were achieved. The Plan for
next year consolidates and reinforces the direction of stronger growth in the
Cuban economy, based on the enhancement of internal reserves of efficiency, the
revival of productive sectors, particularly manufacturing, more efficient use
of energy sources and greater investment in infrastructure and material
production, while social services such as health and education for our
population were preserved.
For 2015, planned GDP growth is just over 4%,
an achievable goal considering that we have, well in advance, a better
financial situation in comparison with the beginning of 2014. This does not
mean that it will be easy, far from it. We will continue to face the effects of
the global economic crisis and the U.S. blockade which is still in place,
generating undeniable obstacles to the development of our economy.
At the same time, we will continue to strictly
honor the commitments made in the restructuring of debts with our main
creditor,s and thus contribute to the gradual recovery of the Cuban economy’s
international credibility. Yesterday afternoon, the National Assembly adopted
the State Budget Law for 2015, which projects a deficit of 6.2% of GDP, and is
considered acceptable under the current circumstances. It incorporates new
taxes and reduces the tax burden on enterprises in line with the gradual
implementation of the Tax Law.
At the same time, various measures have been
adopted to strengthen fiscal control in response to indiscipline and tax evasion
by enterprises and individuals. In this area, not only should those who fail to
comply be punished, as impunity would be tantamount to encouraging the
violation of existing legal norms, but we also believe that it is necessary to
foment a culture of tax compliance within institutions, enterprises,
cooperatives and among the self-employed, so that it is understood that taxes
are the main method of redistributing national income in the interest of all
citizens.
Furthermore, the process of implementing the
Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution, approved
by the 6th Party Congress has continued to advance. As reported, we are at a
qualitatively higher stage in this area, in which extremely complex tasks are
being addressed, whose solution will impact all facets of national life. I am
referring, in the first place, to the process of monetary unification, which,
from the conceptual point of view, has progressed strongly in the second half
of this year and we have managed to outline a comprehensive program of measures
in the interest of avoiding damages to the economy and the population.
The decision to extend sales in CUP across
hard currency stores has been well received by the population and will continue
to expand gradually. The time is right to reaffirm two concepts which we should
not ignore. The first is that monetary unification is no universal or immediate
solution to all the problems facing our economy.
This important decision should be complemented
by a set of macroeconomic policies favoring the monetary order of the country
through instruments which ensure the equilibrium of national finances, which
will in turn contribute decisively to improving the functioning of the economy
and the construction of a prosperous and sustainable socialism in Cuba.
The second and no less important concept is
that bank deposits in foreign currencies, Cuban convertible pesos (CUC) and
Cuban pesos (CUP) shall be guaranteed, as well as cash held by the public and
national and foreign incorporated entities. We know that different opinions,
both well and not so well intentioned, have continued to manifest themselves
both within and outside of the country, regarding the pace of the process of
updating our economic model.
There has also been no lack of open
exhortations abroad to expedite privatization, including of the main production
and service sectors, which would amount to laying down the flags of socialism
in Cuba.
It seems that the latter have not bothered to
read the Guidelines, which clearly express and I quote, "The economic
system which will prevail in Cuba will continue to be based on the people’s
socialist ownership of the fundamental means of production, governed by the
socialist principle of distribution, from each according to his/her capacity to
each according to his/her contribution”, end of quote.
We will continue to fulfill the agreements of
the Communist Party of Cuba 6th Congress with responsibility and resolve, at
the pace which we sovereignly choose here, without jeopardizing the unity of
Cubans, without abandoning anyone to his/her fate, without applying shock
therapy and without ever surrendering the ideals of social justice of this
Revolution of the humble, by the humble and for the humble.
Next year we will begin preparatory activities
for the celebration in April 2016 of the 7th Party Congress, prior to which a
broad and democratic debate with members of the Communist Party and the entire
people, on the progress of implementation of the Guidelines, will be carried
out. Closely associated with the model update is the process of gradual, I
repeat, gradual decentralization of authority from the ministries to
enterprises.
This is not something which can be done
overnight, if we hope to succeed. It requires a reasonable time to prepare and
train cadres at all levels, change archaic mentalities and discard old habits
and develop and implement the legal framework and precise procedures to allow
each other to ensure that decisions are implemented properly, that errors are
rectified promptly and thereby avoid unnecessary setbacks, as we have been
doing. In favor of the greater autonomy of socialist state enterprises, among
other measures, their social objective was expanded and made more flexible,
government contracts were defined and authority was granted for the marketing
of surplus production. In addition, the elimination of administrative
limitations on the payment of salaries linked to production was mandated.
These changes should be implemented gradually,
without haste, with order, discipline and thoroughness. The just aspiration to
earn higher wages is a very sensitive issue, about which we are not allowed to
make mistakes, nor be led by desire or improvisation. We are delighted that
wages will gradually increase for those workers employed in activities
producing more efficient results and benefits of particular economic and social
impact.
However, it should be clear that we can not
distribute wealth which we have not been able to create, doing so would entail
serious consequences for the national economy, and each and every citizen.
Releasing money onto the streets without a corresponding increase in the supply
of goods and services would generate inflation, a phenomenon among many other
harmful effects which would reduce the purchasing power of wages and pensions,
hitting those with fewer resources first.
And that we can not allow. During the first
year of the new salary policy’s implementation, more than a few enterprises
have violated the standards set for salaries per peso of gross value added, in
other words, greater salaries have been paid without a corresponding increase
in production. I have warned on several occasions that this must be considered
a serious indiscipline, very serious, one which must be confronted with resolve
by administrative leaders, and also by the trade unions.
It is no secret to anyone that, in our social
system, unions defend the rights of workers, and to do so effectively must be
the first in safeguarding not only the interests of a given collective of
workers, but also the interests of the entire working class, which are, in
essence, those of the entire nation. We cannot leave any opening for the
development or strengthening of self-interest or greed among our workers.
We all want and need better salaries, but
first wealth must be created, to later be distributed, in accordance with one’s
contribution. Of course, I have not mentioned many other questions linked to
the updating of our economic model, several of which involve missteps which we
are obliged to rectify promptly, in an effort to avoid having to backtrack,
but, in order to do so, tasks must be completed very seriously and responsibly.
No one in the world can deny Cuba’s
outstanding international record during the year drawing to a close. The challenge
we Cubans have before us is great. The economy must achieve the high level of
political prestige conquered by this small Caribbean island thanks to the
Revolution, the heroism and resistance of our people.
The economy is the principal assignment pending,
and we have the responsibility to definitively chart the course toward
sustainable development and the irreversibility of socialism in Cuba. As I said
earlier, deputies and our entire people are enormously moved and joyful to have
Gerardo, Ramón, Antonio, Fernando and René present in the homeland, fulfilling
the promise compañero Fidel made 13 years ago.
The extraordinary example of determination,
sacrifice and dignity of the Five fills with pride the nation which has
struggled untiringly for their freedom, and now welcomes them as true heroes.
(Applause). I must reiterate our profound, sincere gratitude to all the
solidarity movements and committees which struggled to obtain their freedom,
and innumerable governments, parliaments, organizations, institutions and
figures who made a valuable contribution.
The Cuban people thank the President of the
United States, Barack Obama, for this just decision, which has eliminated an
obstacle to relations between our countries. The entire world has reacted positively
to the announcements made this past Wednesday, recognizing their importance in
international relations and, especially, in the United States’ relationship
with the region, which has generated favorable statements by governments,
presidents and recognized figures – for which we are sincerely grateful.
This is the product of conversations at the
highest level, held with utmost discretion, to which Pope Francis made a
contribution, and the government of Canada offered facilitation. This outcome
was possible, as well, thanks to the profound changes which have occurred in
Latin America and the Caribbean, where governments and peoples share our
demands for a new U.S. policy toward Cuba. We salute President Obama’s proposal
to open a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, and to
initiate the most significant changes in U.S. policy in the last 50 years.
We appreciate, as well, the disposition he
expressed to hold a debate on lifting the blockade in the U.S. Congress, as
well as his desire to assure a better future for our two peoples, our
hemisphere and the world. We share the idea that a new stage can begin between
the United States and Cuba, that the reestablishment of diplomatic relations
can be initiated, based on the Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations,
which regulates the conduct of diplomatic and consular missions and
functionaries. We will approach the high level contacts between the two
governments in a constructive spirit, one of respect and reciprocity, with the
purpose of advancing toward the normalization of bilateral relations.
As I said this past December 17, an important
step has been taken, but the essential remains to be resolved: an end to the
economic, commercial, financial blockade of Cuba, aggravated over the last few
years, in particular regarding financial transactions, with the levying of
enormous, illegitimate fines on banks in several countries.
Our people must understand that, given the
conditions announced, this will be a long, difficult struggle which will
require an international mobilization, and that U.S. society continues to
demand an end to the blockade. All the data indicates that a majority of U.S.
citizens, an even greater majority of Cuban émigrés, favor the normalization of
bilateral relations. Within the U.S. Congress, which encoded as law the
blockade’s regulations, opposition to this policy is also growing. We hope the
President of the United States decisively employs his executive prerogatives to
substantially modify implementation of the blockade, in those aspects which do
not require Congressional approval.
At the same time, we will study the scope and
methods used in implementation of the positive executive measures announced by
President Obama. His decision to review the unjustifiable inclusion of Cuba on
the list of state sponsors of international terrorism is encouraging. The facts
demonstrate that Cuba has been the victim of multiple terrorist attacks. Those
responsible for many of these today enjoy absolute impunity, as we all know, costing
us thousands of dead and injured.
The pretexts put forward lack any basis in
reality whatsoever, as the entire planet knows. They only serve political
interests as false arguments to justify the tightening of the blockade,
especially in the financial sector. No terrorist act on the people, property or
territory of the United States has ever been organized, financed or executed
from Cuba, nor would it be allowed. Every time we have become aware of any
information about terrorist plans to attack the United States, we have reported
it to the country’s government, to which we proposed, years ago, the
establishment of a cooperation agreement on this subject.
We have always been willing to dialogue
respectfully, on the basis of equality, to address the most diverse topics in a
reciprocal manner, without compromising our national independence or
self-determination, and, as Fidel has indicated, without renouncing a single
one of our principles. I reiterate that it is only possible to advance on the
basis of mutual respect, which implies observing the principles of
international law and the United Nations Charter - among these, the sovereign
equality of all states; the equality of rights; and the free exercise of
self-determination by peoples; the resolution of international disagreements
via peaceful means, without resorting to threats or the use of force against
the territorial integrity or independence of any state; and the obligation to
refrain from intervention in internal affairs which are the domain of states,
which implies that any form of interference or threat to political, economic or
cultural elements constitutes a violation of international law. In accordance
with the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace,
signed by heads of state and government during the CELAC Summit this past
January 29 in Havana, every state has the unalienable right to choose its own
political, economic, social and cultural system, without interference of any
kind on the part of another state, which constitutes a principle of
international law. This document was signed here in Havana by all heads of
state and government on the continent, with the exception of the United States
and Canada, who were not invited.
Between the governments of the United States and
Cuba there are profound differences which include, among others, different
conceptions on the exercise of national sovereignty, democracy, political
models and international relations We reiterate our openness to respectful,
reciprocal dialogue about our differences.
We have firm convictions and many concerns
about what occurs in the United States in terms of democracy and human rights,
and we agree to converse, on the basis of the aforementioned principles, about
any topic whatsoever, anything they would like to discuss, about Cuba, but also
about the United States.
It must not be expected that, in order to
improve relations with the United States, Cuba will renounce the ideas for
which it has struggled for more than a century, for which its people have shed
much blood and faced great dangers. It must be understood that Cuba is a
sovereign state whose people, in a free referendum vote, approved the
Constitution, chose the socialist path and our political, economic, social
system. (Applause) Just as we have never proposed that the United States change
its political system, we demand respect for ours.(Applause)
Both governments must adopt reciprocal
measures to prevent and avoid acts which could affect progress in the bilateral
relationship, based on respect for the laws and constitutional order of the
parties.
We are not unaware of the virulent criticism
which President Obama has been obliged to endure, as a result of the
aforementioned announcements, on the part of forces which oppose normalization
of relations with Cuba, and by legislators of Cuban origin and leaders of
counterrevolutionary groups, who resist losing the sustenance which decades of
confrontation between our countries have given them. They will do everything
they can to sabotage this process, provocative actions of all kinds are not to
be ruled out. For our part, prudent, measured and reflective - but firm -
conduct will prevail. (Applause)
In Cuba, numerous, diverse mass organizations
of workers, campesinos, women, students, writers and artists and members of
society exist, and are represented on the Council of State and non-governmental
organizations, many of which are represented by deputies in this Assembly, to
whom I would offend if I confused them with a few hundred individuals who receive
money, instructions and oxygen from abroad. In multilateral organizations such
as the United Nations, we will continue our defense of peace, international law
and just causes, as well as our condemnation of threats to the survival of
humanity, which include climate change and nuclear arsenals.
We will continue to promote the exercise of
human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights for all persons,
and peoples’ rights to peace and development. The Cuban Revolution owes
profound gratitude to the peoples, parties, governments from whom we have
received ongoing, unwavering solidarity, and I will continue to direct our
foreign policy based on absolute fidelity to our principles. (Applause)
Symbolic of this are the special relations we maintain with the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela, to which we will continue to offer support in the face
of attempts to destabilize the legitimate government headed by compañero
President Nicolás Maduro Moros, and oppose pretensions to impose sanctions on
this sister country. (Applause)
As I indicated a few days ago, our willingness
to cooperate with the United States on the bilateral and multilateral plane, to
confront dangers which require effective collective humanitarian responses,
must never be politicized. This is the case with the battle against Ebola in
West Africa, and its prevention in the Americas, just as was proclaimed by the
Alba Special Summit on Ebola, which we held in Havana on the issue, this past
October.
As I stated during the recent Caricom and Alba
Summits, I thank the President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, for the
invitation to participate in the 7th Summit of the Americas, and reconfirm that
I will attend to express our positions, with sincerity and respect for all
heads of state and government, without exception.
The participation of Cuba comes as a result of
the solid, unanimous consensus of Latin America and the Caribbean, which is
living in a new era and has united, within our diversity, in the Community of
Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which Cuba was honored to serve as
president pro tempore last year. We have not forgotten that Alba, with its
constant demands and ongoing support to all countries of the region, achieved
the elimination of those old, ignominious sanctions imposed on Cuba in 1962 by
the Organization of American States, in the Republic of Honduras, where only a
month later, the President of the country, compañero Zelaya, was overthrown by
a coup d’etat.
Compañeras y compañeros:
Within a few days, we will be celebrating the
New Year and the 56th anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution, and just
two days ago, December 18, the 58th anniversary of the reunion with Fidel in
Cinco Palmas de Vicana in the Sierra Maestra mountains (Applause), in the heart
of the Sierra Maestra, and his historic exclamation upon learning that we had
seven rifles with which to reinitiate the struggle, “Now, yes, we have won the
war!” (Applause),
The unwavering confidence in victory which
Fidel instilled in us will continue to guide our entire people in the defense
and perfection of the work of their Revolution.
All the best in the New Year! We salute the
new Year 57 of the Cuban Revolution! Thank you very much. (Ovation.) (Council
of State transcript)
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