South African National Union of Mineworkers Statement on the Release of the Three of the Cuban Five

Artwork of Antonio Guerrero displayed in Detroit during June 2010.

19 December 2014

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) welcomes the decision of the US President Barack Obama to release the remaining three of the Cuban Five, Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero and Ramón Labañino who were wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment in the US.

The NUM is thrilled that after long and difficult years in prison the three of the Cuban five are finally set free. The NUM was in solidarity with other progressive forces across the world who fought hard for the release of the Cuban five.

Obama’s decision to release three of the Cuban five and to normalize relations with Cuba is courageous, brave and necessary.

The release of American contractor Alan Gross from a Cuban prison is also sign of a renewed change in US and Cuba diplomatic relations.

We hope this will lead to a formal end to the US trade embargo on Cuba which will significantly open up relations between the two countries and allow travellers and trade to flow relatively freely.

For more information, please contact:

Livhuwani Mammburu: 083 809 3257 : Acting NUM National Spokesperson

ADRESS:

7 Rissik Street.

Cnr Frederick,

Johannesburg 2001

Tel: 011 377 2111