• Submitted by: admin
• Politics and Government
• 02 / 24 / 2008

Cuba's National Assembly chose Raul Castro as Cuba's new president on Sunday.

Raul Castro was chosen today to take over Cuba's presidency from his brother Fidel Castro.

On Sunday, the National Assembly -- Cuba's 614-member legislature -- chose through secret ballot the 31-member Council of State, which acts on behalf of the Assembly when it is not in session.

The nominees for the Council of State -- there is only one for each post -- must receive support from at least 307 members of the National Assembly.

José Ramón Machado Ventura was named as first Vice-President, Alarcón remains as President of the Cuban Parliament. Today were elected the hole Council of State and Raul made his first speech as President of the Cuban Republic which was trasmited to the whole country.

In an address to the nation, following the election, Raul Castro said the Cuban government would continue to consult Fidel Castro, on major decisions of state - a move backed by the National Assembly deputies.

Raul Castro paid tribute to his brother as he accepted the presidency saying:

"The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution is unique, Fidel is Fidel, as we all know well, he is irreplaceable."