Spain to accept Cuban dissidents

The first of a group of dissidents freed by the Cuban government are expected in Madrid, Spain on two scheduled flights tomorrow.



Cuban Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, says eleven dissidents and their families are expected to travel.



Last week, the Cuban government, the Catholic Church and Minister Moratinos agreed a deal to secure the release of 52 such political prisoners.



The official Communist Party newspaper, Granma, says former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro will appear on television and radio today to discuss his concerns about the Middle East.



Castro has not been seen in public since July 2006, when he had emergency surgery.



Photographs emerged at the weekend showing the 83-year-old former president smiling and greeting workers.



The images were published as the Cuban government began steps to release the first dissidents.