Cuba releases prisoners, confirms talks with US

HAVANA:

Cuba's communist authorities on Friday began a prisoner release negotiated with the Vatican and confirmed that talks were underway with the United States amid intense pressure from President Donald Trump.

The Justicia 11J rights group said it had been able to confirm the release of two people jailed for taking part in major anti-government protests in July 2021.

Cuba said Thursday that it would release 51 prisoners after talks with the Holy See, which has in the past acted as mediator between Havana and Washington.

Havana has described the prisoner releases as a "goodwill" gesture to the Vatican. There was little other information about the identity of those being freed or their criminal records.

The unusual show of clemency came hours after Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed that his government was in talks with the United States.

Trump has said Cuba will be "next" on his agenda after Iran and the US overthrow of Cuba's top ally, Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.