CUBA: "In A Foul Mood," A Stern Raul Castro Opens 1st Congress Since 1997.

M.HERALD/ J.TAMAYO

   Reporting from Miami, Tamayo describes President Raul Castro as appearing "stern, often angry-sounding" in a harsh 2.5 hour attack on the isla's failings...during his opening speech for Cuba's first Communist Party Congress since 1997.
    Castro told more than 1,000 delegates that: “I hang my head in shame when I have to accept in public” that previous approved reforms were never enacted.
     Raul, 79, also proposed a maximum of two five-year terms for leadership posts - including his own.
    Fidel Castro did not appear at the Congress...but in a newspaper  column wrote that his brother's words...made him proud.
    Fidel also apologized for not attending the Bay of Pigs parade in person, writing that he couldn't last three hours in the relentless sun and heat.

TO VIEW: 2:32 CNN Video report in English...with :30 ad.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/04/17/cuba.castro/