.c The Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) - Cuban exile leader Jorge Mas Canosa was released from the hospital on Monday, two weeks after being admitted for what his family said was a lung infection.
The 58-year-old chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation has been at Pan American Hospital since Sept. 28, when he began to have shortness of breath. The hospital refused to release details on his condition, but his family said tests revealed the infection.
Supporters gathered outside the hospital for a candlelight vigil Friday on reports that he was near death.
His condition improved over the weekend and he left the hospital Monday, his family said in a statement.
"The marked improvement of our father's health, after weathering two very difficult weeks in intensive care, is the result of the thousands of prayers and expressions of good will,'' the statement said.
Mas built a powerful political network in the 80s and for years held great influence over U.S. policy toward Cuba. He is credited with helping to pass legislation that tightened the embargo on Cuba and created Radio and TV Marti, which beam uncensored news and commentary into Cuba.
AP-NY-10-13-97 2053EDT