TORONTO, April 7 (Reuters) - A group of Cuban political prisoners whose release had been sought by Pope John Paul arrived in Toronto on Tuesday, along with nearly two dozen dependents.
The "prisoners of conscience'' arrived at Toronto's Pearson airport and were met by Canadian officials who agreed to accept them after weeks of security and background checks.
condition they left the communist-ruled Caribbean island.
Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy said in a statement on Monday that Canada had accepted 11 prisoners while another three would join the others in Canada "over the coming weeks.''
A total of 19 prisoners had originally been accepted by Canada after the Pope appealed to countries to take the prisoners during his recent visit to Cuba. Canada, however, decided that five would not be admitted to the country "due to the nature of the acts for which they are in prison,'' the statement said.
Canada's Immigration Minister Lucienne Robillard said the decision to refuse entry to the five was taken "only with the greatest care and compassion ... keeping in mind responsibility for the safety and health of Canadians, and Canada's obligations under international treaties.''
REUTERS
01:14 04-07-98