Cuba to release 2,900 prisoners

Dec 24, 2011, 11:08 GMT

Havana - Cuban President Raul Castro has announced the release of 2,900 prisoners, as well as indicating that the government may be ready to lift strict travel restrictions on the country's citizens.

The release of prisoners, due to take place in the coming days, was a 'humanitarian' gesture, said Castro late Friday.

The prisoners due to be freed include some political prisoners and 86 foreigners from 25 different countries.

The decision was believed to have been linked to a planned visit to Cuba by Pope Benedict XVI early next year.

At the same time the president signalled his willingness to relax Cuba's strict travel restrictions for its citizens, though no date was set for this.

Castro said the government was making progress with immigration law but that reform would be introduced 'gradually.'

To legally travel abroad, Cubans currently need an official exit permit, which, if granted at all, comes only through a long process that costs around 500 dollars. They also need an invitation letter and a visa for the country they plan to visit, plus a ticket to travel.

Cubans who have left the country still face restrictions concerning their return.

Despite these hurdles, many have left illegally over the decades, motivated to escape Cuba over what they perceive as harsh economic and political conditions. Many so-called 'balseros' have died in the efforts, often on overloaded, rickety or makeshift boats.

More open travel and visa rules would follow a series of significant economic reforms in Cuba in recent years.

Earlier this week, banks started granting loans to farmers and others in the country's small but growing private sector, after the communist state lifted some restrictions.

There has been an easing of limits on state-owned firms, allowing them a greater flexibility to subcontract private-sector firms for their services. Such operations were previously only allowed for very small amounts of money.

New rules set by the Cuban Central Bank and the Finance Ministry allow banks to grant personal loans to stimulate private consumption.

Other reforms introduced over the last two years include allowing people to buy and sell their cars and homes for the first time in more than 50 years. Cubans have been allowed to stay in the island's luxury hotels, previously only for foreigners, and to own computers and mobile phones.

Even some well-known supporters of the Cuban government, like singer Silvio Rodriguez, have long advocated an end to travel restrictions.