Norway welcomes the release of political prisoners in Cuba

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented: “Norway, together with the EU, has steadfastly demanded the unconditional release of political prisoners in Cuba. We were very pleased to receive the news today that the Cuban authorities will release 52 political prisoners.”
 
With the release of these prisoners, all the 75 people who were imprisoned following mass arrests in March 2003 will have been set free. The undertaking to release the prisoners is the result of an intense negotiation process between the Communist Party and the Catholic Church in Cuba, supported by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Miguel Ángel Moratinos.

 

“It’s good that the dialogue that the Vatican and the Spanish Government have had with the Cuban authorities has produced results. I commend them for their work,” said Mr Støre.

 

Norway has supported the efforts to get the prisoners released. We have normalised our relations with Cuba, and have a direct dialogue with the Cuban authorities. This includes discussions on human rights and the demand for the release of political prisoners.

 

This is a positive step forward. Now this development must continue. In our contact with Cuba, we will continue to focus on the need to strengthen human rights and the development of democracy in the country,” said Mr Støre.

 

An increasing number of countries are renewing ties with Cuba. The EU resumed its political dialogue with Cuba in 2008 with human rights as a key issue. All the American countries apart from the US now have full diplomatic relations with Cuba.

 

“I hope that these developments will have a positive effect on the efforts to ensure fundamental human rights  for the people of Cuba,” said Mr Støre.