Blumenthal Statement On Release Of Alan Gross, Normalization Of Relations With Cuba

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today released the following statement on the release of Alan Gross, an American aid worker imprisoned by the Castro regime in Cuba, and on the President’s announcement on normalization of trade and travel relations with the country:

“I welcome home Alan Gross from his illegal and unjust imprisonment in Cuba. Many in Congress – including myself – have said there could be no normalization of relations with Cuba without his release. 

“Cuba continues to be oppressed by a dictatorial regime, denying essential rights and freedoms. I welcome any trade and diplomatic discussions currently underway to advance freedom and rights for the Cuban people, and I will carefully review any recommendations to change our relationship with Cuba on that basis.”