Rome - The vice president of the National Association of Economists and Accountants of Cuba (ANEC), Ramon Labañino, has concluded a working visit to Italy on Sunday, at the invitation of the Communist Network (RdC).

The Hero of the Republic of Cuba, who was unjustly held in a U.S. prison for fighting terrorism, along with Gerardo Hernandez, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez, gave some keynote speeches about the thought of the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, in Naples, Bologna, Milan, Pisa and Rome, where he also carried out other activities.

The book '!Yo soy Fidel!, pensamiento politico y economico' (I am Fidel! Political and Economic Thought) was launched during the tour. The book was written by a group of Cuban authors organized by Labañino himself and the member of the national secretariat and coordinator of RdC, Luciano Vasapolo, who is also the deputy rector of La Sapienza University of Rome.

Labañino was welcomed at that higher educational center by Vasapolo and other members of the faculty, with whom he talked about the signing of a framework agreement on collaboration between that institution and ANEC.

He also met with leaders of the Grassroots Trade Union and representatives of organizations linked to the Cuba solidarity movement at the Cuban Embassy in Italy and at the headquarters of La Villeta Association.

Labañino held a lively dialogue at the embassy with dozens of members of several groups present at the Celia Sanchez hall, where he received a standing ovation.

He narrated some anecdotes and experiences during his 16 years in a U.S. prison, answered questions from the audience and, in all cases, received expressions of admiration and affection.

The Cuban hero thanked those present on behalf of the five Cubans and their relatives for the many actions of solidarity taken to demand their release.

He described how even in the worst conditions of confinement, they never lost the hope of returning to home and that they were always inspired by Commander Fidel Castro, Cuba and its people.

During his visit to Italy, the ANEC vice president was accompanied by Vasapolo, Ambassador Alba Soto, Political Counselor Mauricio Martinez and other officials from the Cuban Embassy.