Ailí Labañino Cardoso, Ramón´s older daugther. Photo Eddy Martin

Climbing the Turquino Peak when the Cuban Five are released is an incomplete dream, but we’re going up for the first time with them in our hearts, like we were together, said Aili, daughter of Ramon Labañino.

For the young Aili the ascent to the higher elevation of the island is one of the projects dreamed up by her and her father, one of the five Cuban antiterrorist fighters unjustly imprisoned in U.S. since 1998.

Last March 10 “Del Aconcagua al Turquino” brigade, made up of journalists, students of the Institute of International Relations and relatives of these heroes in prison, departed from Havana city.

The solidarity group will climb the highest point in Cuba (1 974 meters above sea level) to demand the release of Ramon Labañino, Rene Gonzalez, Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez.

Aili is one of 40 young people that will give continuity to the solidarity deed performed recently by Argentinean climbers mountaineers, who in January conquered the Aconcagua (the highest peak in America, almost 7 000 meters high) and demanded justice for those antiterrorists.

“When we heard about that project, we became very excited. My dad, my uncles (as she calls the other imprisoned heroes) and the families appreciate the support of millions of people worldwide, as these young Argentineans, who feel our pain as their own,” she said visibly moved.

She believes that to do this initiative on the island contributes to the spread of the case of the Five, but it also marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship between those involved in the defense of this cause.

Although sometimes in her eyes some nostalgia shows, Aili exhibits courage and firmness, as when she talks about these Cuban patriots:

“Since being incarcerated they have maintained the same spirit, dignity and courage, and they are our main source of encouragement to continue this fight.

“So I will ascend to the top of Cuba to-from there- demand the U.S. Government the return to our homes of my father and his companions,” she said.

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