Cuba releases dozens of opposition activists

The Cuban authorities have released at least 36 opposition activists since Wednesday, according to dissident organisations.

They are believed to be from a list of 53 activists the United States requested to be freed as part of efforts to mend links.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz said the US was pleased with the move.

Cuba and the US announced last month they had agreed to restore diplomatic relations, severed since 1961.

The American government is confident that the Cuban authorities will keep their word and release more political prisoners, said Mr Schultz.

The 53 names put forward by the US have not been disclosed.
'Force and motivation'

Twenty-nine of the activists released since Wednesday are from the dissident Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU).

"Our freed prisoners are committed to continue fighting for the democratic Cuba which we all want," the group's leader, Jose Daniel Ferrer, said in a statement.

"The UNPACU activists have left prison with more energy, force and motivation than they had when they were jailed."