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Cuban parliament chief change-over, first time in 20 years

Esteban Lazo Hernandez has been elected a new Speaker of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

HAVANA, February 25 (Itar-Tass) - Esteban Lazo Hernandez has been elected a new Speaker of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power (unicameral parliament) by a decision which was taken by the newly elected parliament members at their first meeting at the Palace of Congresses here on Sunday.

This is the first Cuban parliament chief's change-over in 20 years.

The forum is being attended by present Head of State Raul Modesto Castro Ruz and by leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, who have been re-elected to parliament.

At his new post, Lazo, who will turn 69 on February 26, succeeds Ricardo Alacon de Quesada, 75, who has been heading the Cuban legislature since 1993.

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