Cuba to amend constitution to widen reforms

HAVANA, May 29 (AFP): Cuba will seek to amend its constitution to further open up the economy but without modifying the "irrevocable character of socialism," authorities there said Monday. Former president Raul Castro, who stepped down last month, introduced reforms in 2011 to open the top-heavy, centralised economy to small private businesses and foreign investment.

The changes resulted in a burst of activity in the first years, as Cubans opened restaurants and other small service-oriented businesses. But the changes did not unleash the hoped-for economic takeoff. A special commission will be formed during an extraordinary session of parliament on Saturday to present the constitutional changes, which deputies will discuss before putting them to a referendum. The details of the proposed changes were not revealed, but they are expected to continue the reforms launched by Raul Castro, who transformed the Cuba he inherited from brother Fidel in 2006.