Embargoed to 0001 Saturday December 27
A group of Cubans released from prison following moves to restore diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba are to be invited to the UK.
The so-called Miami 5 were arrested in 1998 and later convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage.
The Cuban government acknowledged that the men were intelligence agents, but insisted they were spying on Miami's Cuban exile community, not the US government.
Trade unions in the UK were among those who campaigned for years for the release of the five men.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said it will be inviting the men to its annual Cuba Garden Party in London in the summer of 2015.
General secretary Mick Cash said the release from prison was "great news", following years of "relentless campaigning".
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: "This has been a story of unjust imprisonment, missed years and a continual fight for justice.
"Their plight has been an issue close to the heart of Unite and its predecessor unions. Their release shows what can be achieved through solidarity and perseverance."
Rene Gonzalez was released in 2011 following the completion of 13 years of his sentence, while Fernando Gonzalez was released in February of this year.
The remaining three - Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero and Ramon Labanino - were released earlier this month as President Barack Obama announced moves to normalise relations between the US and Cuba.
Meanwhile, the dramatic development has led to a surge in demand for translation services.
Leeds-based thebigword said it had received a deluge of requests from international businesses for Cuban translation services.
ends
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