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Patriotism of The Five Highlighted in Venezuela

VENEZUELA, Jan 28, 2010. - Venezuelan Minister of Women''s Affairs Maria Leon said on Thursday that The Five anti-terrorist Cuban fighters held in US prisons are symbols of patriotism of Cuba and the world.

Rene Gonzalez, Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labanino y Fernando Gonzalez have been held in prison since September 1998 for penetrating Florida-based anti-Cuban counterrevolutionary organizations.

The Five, as they are internationally known, are symbols not only of the Cuban people, but also of the world in struggle, Leon told Prensa Latina during a cultural ceremony to mark the 157th anniversary of the birth of Jose Marti.

"The hearts of the Venezuelan people, the women and President Chavez, who bestowed upon them the Simon Bolivar, The Liberator Award, are with them," the Venezuelan official said from a Caracas square bearing the name of Jose Marti.

We support them and their cause, which we have made ours through a movement called A Rose to the Five, she said before the ceremony started.

"We are waiting for The Five anti-terrorist fighters here as we are certain that sooner or later we will rescue them and welcome them here," she stressed.

On November 10 last year, the Venezuelan Parliament urged US government and judicial authorities to release The Five immediately. (Cubaminrex - Prensa Latina)

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