The African National Congress demanded the release of five Cuban antiterrorist fighters unjustly imprisoned in the United States since 1998.
During a celebration of the 99th anniversary of the ANC, South African leaders reaffirmed that Fernando Gonzalez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Gerardo Hernandez and Rene Gonzalez should return to Cuba.
The Five, as they are universally known, are currently serving harsh sentences for gathering information about terrorist plots by anti-Cuban organizations in Miami, Florida, in an effort to prevent the deaths of Cuban and even U.S. citizens.
In the presence of President Jacob Zuma, the ANC also demanded that Washington end its prolonged economic, financial and trade blockade on Cuba, according to the Cuban embassy in South Africa.
Founded on January 8, 1912 in Bloemfontein, the ANC advocates the creation of a united and prosperous society free of racism.
The party is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012 with political, cultural and academic activities.