Canada Accepts 19 Cuban Prisoners of Conscience

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the Government of Cuba has agreed to let 19 Cuban prisoners of conscience come to Canada. The 19 prisoners were included on list presented to the Cuban Government by Pope John Paul II, during his January visit to Cuba.

The Prime Minister noted that Canada has maintained close contact with the Vatican on this issue. The 19 who have agreed to come to Canada as a condition of their release are among over 100 prisoners of conscience which Cuban officials have agreed to discharge from prison.

"The decision to release these prisoners demonstrates the benefits of a policy of constructive engagement with Cuba on a broad range of issues, including sensitive political ones." said the Prime Minister.

Over the past several years, Canada's dialogue with Cuba has become more comprehensive and has been reinforced by high-level visits in both directions. Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage was in Ottawa two weeks ago for a visit to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the Canada-Cuba Joint Declaration. This unprecedented agreement, signed during Foreign Minister Axworthy's visit to Cuba last year, identifies 14 areas in which the two countries will work together, including parliamentary exchanges, legal cooperation and human rights.

Immigration processing of the individuals concerned will begin immediately. Before entering Canada, they will be required to undergo standard medical and security checks. Each prisoner has verified independently to the Canadian Ambassador in Havana his or her desire to leave for Canada. Cuban authorities have confirmed that immediate dependents would also be granted exit visas on request at an early opportunity.

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