Obama urges release of Cuban political prisoners

[June 25, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is praising five Cuban dissidents for their pro-democracy activities, and he's calling on the communist government to release all political prisoners.

The Cubans were recognized by the National Endowment for Democracy on Wednesday for their work.

Three award recipients are in Cuban prisons.

Obama said in a statement Thursday that he hopes they will be released and allowed "to fully participate in a democratic future in Cuba."

[Associated Press]

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