The prisoners were on a list of 300 whose freedom was sought by
Pope John Paul II during his visit to Cuba in January.
Nineteen prisoners agreed to come to Canada as a condition of
their release. Cuban authorities agreed to grant exit visas to
their immediate families.
Prime Minister Jean Chretien said the prisoner release shows
the
value of "constructive engagement with Cuba on a broad range of
issues, including sensitive political ones.''
Canada is one of Cuba's largest foreign trading partners and
has
sought to expand contacts, despite criticism from U.S. politicians
who support the American embargo of Cuba. Chretien received an
invitation to visit Cuba earlier this month.
© 1998 Associated Press