SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile says it will take in Cuban dissidents released by the communist government.

A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno says he is trying to help liberate Cuba's dissidents.

The Cuban government has agreed to gradually free 52 prisoners last week after meeting with Cuba's Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Ortega, and 17 have accepted asylum in Spain.

Moreno made the offer to Spain's foreign minister, who brokered the meeting. His spokeswoman spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because she cannot be named under ministry policy.

Moreno did not talk to Cuban officials directly. Cuba has not commented on its promised release of political prisoners.