Release of Alan Gross by the Cuban Regime is a “Welcome Relief to our Nation” – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk
Kirk also responds to changes in U.S. Policy Toward Cuba
CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement on the release of American aid worker Alan Gross after being imprisoned in Cuba for five years, and on President Obama’s announcement that the U.S. will begin to normalize diplomatic relations with the Cuban regime:
“The release of Alan Gross by the Cuban regime after five long years of brutal imprisonment is a welcome relief to our nation, especially during this holiday season. I am thankful he has been reunited with his family and will be given time to regain his health.
“However, by trading convicted spies – including one who was implicated in the murder of U.S. citizens – for an innocent American, and normalizing relations without any sign of real democratic reforms, President Obama has continued the practice of treating our friends like enemies and our enemies like friends. He is giving concessions to dictators and is offering all carrots and no sticks. Such appeasement puts American soldiers, diplomats and humanitarian workers in danger and sets a dangerous precedent for nations that respect democracy and defend human rights.â€
