In his speech then, Raul Castro said the limit of two consecutive five-year terms would apply to "the current president of the Council of State and his ministers" - a reference to himself.

BBC: Cuba President Raul Castro seeks term limits on leaders

The communist government's state council announced Thursday the removal of Jose Ramon Fernandez Alvarez as vice president of the council of ministers, according to state-run Granma.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ted Potrikus, executive vice president of the Retail Council of New York State, said he expects his group will oppose the legislation.

WSJ: Bloomberg Sets New Anti-Tobacco Push