Rangel: Alan Gross Release Marks New Chapter Of US-Cuban Ties

Statement

Charles B. Rangel released the following statement from Cuba, after the Cuban Government released American Alan Gross after five years in prison:

"As a longtime advocate for this release, I applaud both the Obama Administration and the Cuban Government for their collaborative efforts to secure the freedom of American Alan Gross. I am pleased that he is finally being released in time to spend the holiday season with his family. His release signals a great opportunity for the United States to restart diplomatic relations with the Caribbean nation, starting with lifting the embargo.

For decades, I have been calling for the renewed relationship because I am certain it will bring mutual benefits for both countries. Cuba's engagement to fight common global threats to the international community such as Ebola proves that we have much to gain by renewing our outdated policies with Cuba that do not serve either country or the world. I will continue to push passage of legislation, such as my Free Trade with Cuba Act, which I have first introduced in 1994 to help reshape our foreign policy toward our closest Caribbean neighbor.

I have visited Cuba on many occasions and each time I am more convinced that our two countries can build an amicable relationship. I commend President Barack Obama for charting a new course and look forward to working with his Administration in passing this legislation in the U.S. Congress."

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