Parliament meets on legislative reform

HAVANA, (AP):

Cuba's Parliament is holding what may be an important session tackling economic reforms.

The legislature packs a lot of action into a very short time. It normally meets just twice a year for a day or two each session. Deliberations are closed to the public and the agenda is not announced in advance.

But the island's Communist Party has approved sweeping changes that would allow greater private enterprise within the socialist economy. And they cannot take effect unless parliament approves them.

President Raul Castro has said officials are going at their own pace on the changes and will be neither hurried nor delayed.

Legislators gathered in full session yesterday, following several committee meetings in recent days.