Cuba National Assembly approves economic reforms

[The Northerner]

Cuba's National Assembly has given its backing to President Raul Castro's plans to reform the country's stagnating economy.

The reforms, ranging from the setting up of small businesses to reducing bureaucracy, had already been agreed by the ruling Communist party.

Mr Castro also hinted that changes to the country's controversial travel and emigration rules could be introduced.

He said those attempting to undermine the reforms could face prosecution.

The BBC's Michael Voss in Havana says one of the biggest obstacles Mr Castro now faces is resistance from party bureaucrats who face losing their job under the changes.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14368316

[applegrove]

1. My brother did a bike trip of cuba. He said there was so much underutilization

of resources. Like he'd eat in a restaurant at lunchtime that was empty. Heard on the radio that some professional women in Cuba were working as prostitutes to make ends meet. Communism wastes lives. A mix of socialism, liberalism and capitalism is how it works for every other country in the world (including the USA). Glad Cuba has finally joined the club. Their people will be much better off.

[greytdemocrat]

2. Obama should drop the embargo already.

I'd love to see Cuba and its people.