Old guard, minus Castro, still in place

HAVANA, April 19 (UPI) -- The Cuban Communist Party Congress left the old leadership in place Tuesday, without Fidel Castro.

Castro appeared for the final day of the Congress, moving many of the delegates to tears, The Miami Herald reported. He announced Monday he was leaving the central committee.

Raul Castro, 79, who has governed Cuba since 2006, replaced his 84-year-old brother as first secretary. Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 80, moved up to second secretary.

The Congress has approved major economic changes to expand the private sector and reduce government control.