24/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - Ashton welcomes release of political prisoners. In a press release issued on 23 March, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton welcomed the release of the last two remaining political prisoners from the group of 75 imprisoned by the Fidel Castro regime in 2003 and the announcement of the imminent release of Nestor Rodriguez Lobaina, who has been in prison since December 2010, and 10 other political prisoners. She acknowledges the “significant role” played by the Catholic Church of Cuba and the Spanish government in these releases. Ashton calls on the Cuban government to pursue this process and continue to make progress towards full respect for all human rights in Cuba. The EU reiterates its intent to pursue its dialogue with the Cuban authorities and to support efforts aimed at improving the living conditions of the Cuban people, the high representative says in her statement. (H.B./transl.rt)