PARIS, July 23. President of the Cuban Parliament Ricardo Alarcon noted that President Barack Obama has the authority to make the decision to release the Cuban Five, the men who for over twelve years have been unfairly imprisoned in the United States.

Before an audience made up by politicians, scholars, journalist and representatives of organizations of solidarity with Cuba in France, as well as Cuban residents in that country, the leader of the Cuban Parliament stressed that, if he wanted, President Obama could use his constitutional prerogatives to free the Cuban Five.

Also, he made reference to the long list of terrorist attacks launched from the United States against the island and the anti-Cuban atmosphere that surrounded the arrests and processes of Gerardo Hernandez, Fernando Gonzalez, Ramón Labanino, Rene Gonzalez, and Antonio Guerrero in Miami.

He also denounced the silence kept by the western media with regard to the case, especially in Europe and the United States.

Alarcon, who is also a member of the Communist Party Politburo, spoke of other issues linked to Cuba's politics and economy.

At the meeting, the President of the Cuba Sí Francia organization of solidarity with Cuba, Charly Bouhana, read a communiqué of support to the Cuban revolution on behalf of the French supporters of Cuba, who praised Cuban socialism for being "a prosperous and kind system to the people," they said.

Also taking part at the gathering were members of the 15th Arrondissment Communist Party of Paris. (SE)