HAVANA — Cuba's parliament convened Friday for the first time since President Fidel Castro fell ill last summer, and his chair was left empty as lawmakers approved a spending plan for 2007.
The session -- at least during the first two hours, when international journalists could attend -- reflected the businesslike style of Raul Castro, the president's brother and the acting leader.
The 75-year-old defense minister did not make any extemporaneous speeches or query ministers who presented economic reports, but listened quietly.
The meeting, at which lawmakers approved a spending plan for 2007, began on time and went into a recess exactly two hours later.
But references to the absent 80-year-old communist leader appeared throughout.
"We will be ready to carry out your orders and guarantee your work," Economy Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Garcia said in comments addressed to the "Maximum Leader."
