Washington, DC – Today the Obama Administration announced a series of changes to our nation’s policies regarding Cuba, including an effort to re-establish diplomatic relations and expanded travel between the two nations. The Administration also announced the humanitarian release of Alan Gross, an American who had been imprisoned in Cuba since 2009.
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), who traveled to Cuba with a congressional delegation in 2013 whose leaders met with Gross, issued the following statement applauding today’s announcement:
“More than fifty years since the U.S. severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, and more than 20 years since the close of the Cold War, we are finally beginning the process of re-engaging with our Cuban neighbors. Our nations will continue to have disagreements, but it’s time to begin cooperating on issues of shared interest like protecting our oceans, expanding commerce, and enabling Cuban-Americans to visit their loved ones. I am also hopeful that the prospect of reestablishing diplomatic relations between our two countries will open new channels to increase engagement on human rights issues and promote democratic reforms in Cuba. The release of Alan Gross is particularly good news, and my best wishes go to him and his family as he returns to America.”
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