U.S. Actors and Artists thank former President Jimmy Carter

"I believe that there is no reason to keep
the Cuban 5 imprisoned, there were doubts
 in the U.S. courts and also among human
rights organizations in the world. Now,
they have been in prison 12 years and
I hope that in the near future they will
be released to return home."-

Former President Jimmy Carter.

 After hearing former President Carter call for the release of the Cuban 5, twenty U.S. Actors and Artists United for the Freedom of the Cuban 5 sent a letter thanking him for demanding their release and for improved relations with Cuba."I believe that there is no reason to keep the Cuban 5 imprisoned, there were doubts in the U.S. courts and also among human rights organizations in the world. Now, they have been in prison 12 years and I hope that in the near future they will be released to return home."- Former President Jimmy Carter.

The actors and artists who signed on to the letter include: Edward Asner, Co-Chair, Danny Glover, Co-Chair, Jackson Browne, James Cromwell, Mike Farrell, Richard Foos, Elliott Gould, Chrissie Hynde, Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Sarandon, Pete Seeger, Martin Sheen, Betty & Stanley K. Sheinbaum, Andy Spahn, Oliver Stone, Esai Morales, Francisco Letelier and Haskell Wexler.

"Typically, President Carter moves 

forward with courage. Just as typically,
 he will be criticized by those who lack it."

 Mike Farrell

Carter, invited by Cuban President Raul Castro, on behalf of The Carter Center, is the first US President in 50 years to set foot on Cuban soil. He ended his three-day trip on March 30th by also calling to remove Cuba from the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism, to lift the US blockade now having been imposed on Cuba for half a century, and to remove all restrictions imposed on its citizens regarding travel to Cuba. To watch the Press Conference visit www.thecuban5.org.

"Typically, President Carter moves forward with courage. Just as typically, he will be criticized by those who lack it." - Mike Farrell

The Cuban 5 are Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo, Antonio Guerrero Rodriguez, Fernando Gonzalez Llort, Ramon Labañino Salazar, and Rene Gonzalez Sehwerert, serving over 12 years in US prisons for simply trying to protect their country from terrorism.

"Your wisdom and courage in calling for the release
of the Cuban 5 provides support for President Obama
 to correct this injustice and issue Executive Clemency
 for the Cuban 5 so they can return to their families."

 Danny Glover

 The actors and artists also expressed their gratitude for Carter's visit and encouraged subsequent discussions with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"Your wisdom and courage in calling for the release of the Cuban 5 provides support for President Obama to correct this injustice and issue Executive Clemency for the Cuban 5 so they can return to their families." - Danny Glover, Co-Chair

And certainly, until their release, the US government should grant regular visas in a timely manner, to their family members to visit them.