Obama, McCain call for Cuba to release political prisoners

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama and John McCain are calling for the release of political prisoners in Cuba following Fidel Castro's resignation.

Obama said Castro's resignation should "mark the end of a dark era in Cuba's history."

Castro resigned as Cuba's president after nearly a half-century in power. His brother Raul, who has hinted at political reforms, has been ruling in his place since June of 2006.

Obama is urging that the United States be prepared to take steps to normalize relations with Cuba and ease the trade embargo if Cuban leadership "begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change."

McCain said "freedom for the Cuban people is not yet at hand" despite Castro's resignation.