Leading dissident says he’ll return to Cuba

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‘A leading Cuban dissident said Tuesday that he plans to return to the communist-run island after a nearly two-year absence to fight for the freedom of political prisoners.’ Associated Press story here.

‘Hector Palacios, who was in Puerto Rico for a two-day visit from his current home in Spain, told reporters that he and his wife Gisela Delgado -- also a Cuban dissident -- would soon travel back to their Caribbean homeland to resume leadership of his outlawed opposition group, Liberal Unity.’

‘Palacios, now 66, was incarcerated in 2003 on charges of undermining Cuba’s communist system. He was released on medical parole in December 2006, cutting short a 25-year prison sentence.’

‘ ‘We want a country where people can live in peace,’ ‘ Palacios said Tuesday, adding that he is willing to meet with President Raul Castro, who succeeded his elder brother, Fidel, in February. ‘Change is going to happen.’ ‘

-- Reed Johnson in Mexico City