HAVANA, CUBA. (ACN) Cuban President Raul Castro sent a message to Puerto Rican freedom fighter Oscar Rivera Lopez to congratulate him on his release from US jails after spending over 35 years imprisoned there.

On his message, Raul conveyed congratulations to Lopez on behalf of the Cuban Communist party, the government and the people, who he said shared the happiness for his release.

The Cuban president told the Puerto Rican fighter that History will not forget his strength and loyalty to the cause of the independence of Puerto Rico, which he added is essential for Our America.

He said Cubans are expecting Lopez to visit, whenever possible, and will receive him with the honors and love he deserves