HAVANA · The Cuban government on Monday released its seventh political prisoner in a week, bringing the total number of paroled dissidents to 14 at a time when the European Union is considering mending estranged relations with Havana.

Journalist Jorge Olivera, who led an independent Havana news agency and contributed to a short-lived opposition magazine, said the "the international community must remain alert" and continue pushing for the release of 61 other political prisoners.

"This release is a step. It should be followed by other steps," Olivera, 43, said. "If there is nothing more we run the risk of having others jailed."

A former Cuban television editor who began writing for independent publications a decade ago, Olivera suffers from chronic colon problems and high blood pressure. Like several other released dissidents, he planned to renew an application to seek U.S. asylum and hoped the Cuban government would grant him an exit permit.

"The Damocles sword continues to hang over our heads," he said. "My plans are to ... leave without renouncing my principles. I continue to believe in democracy, in multiple parties. I will always support the cause of freedom and democracy wherever I am."

Olivera was convicted last year along with 74 other dissidents accused of conspiring against Cuba's sovereignty. He was sentenced to 18-years in prison.

He called his first eight months in an isolation cell a "hair-raising" experience that included having to endure mosquitoes, rotten food and contaminated water. Conditions before his release improved, he said.

Carlos Lauria, the Americas program coordinator for the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, said 23 independent Cuban journalists remain in prison.

"We are relieved at this new release of another journalist, but again I think this is simply not enough," Lauria said.

"They [Cuban officials] get an improved image, they get rid of some of the most well known dissidents. But it is clear that the message that no dissent will be tolerated has been sent."

Vanessa Bauzá can be reached at vmbauza1@yahoo.com

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