United Nations, January 5 (RHC-PL) -- Groups of solidarity with Cuba and social organizations in New York welcomed the return home of the five Cuban counter-terrorism fighters held in U.S. prisons.

The cultural event, held at the main office of Local 1199 union hall of the Service Employees International Union, was held in Manhattan Saturday night.

Large posters reading 'Free the Cuban Five' reminded everyone of the international struggle in favor of the return to Cuba of Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Rene Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzalez, who were arrested in 1998 for monitoring violent groups based in Miami, from where they organized and executed actions against the Caribbean island.

“Thank you for your solidarity, your support and your everyday struggle for the release of our five heroes,” said Cuba's Ambassador to the United Nations, Rodolfo Reyes, who participated in the gathering.

The diplomat highlighted the commitment by many social activists to the cause of the Cuban heroes, whose unfair imprisonment sparked outrage around the world.

According to the ambassador, now Cuba’s foreign policy efforts will be devoted to demanding the lifting of the economic, trade and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island more than 50 years ago.