Carter visits imprisoned US contractor in Cuba

Mar 30, 2011, 22:18 GMT

Havana - Former US president Jimmy Carter visited US contractor Alan Gross in a Cuban prison on Wednesday and demanded his prompt release.

Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also demanded an end to the US embargo on the communist island and to restrictions on travelling between the United States and Cuba.

Gross, 62, an employee of a firm working for the US State Department, was arrested as he handed out satellite telecommunications equipment that is banned in the communist island. He was recently sentenced to 15 years in jail for crimes against the security of the state.

Cuban authorities accused him of being a spy, but Washington has staunchly denied the accusation and insists that the equipment was intended for the use of Cuban Jewish groups.

Carter, 86, said at a press conference that he thinks Gross is not a serious threat to the Cuban people and their government. He said the contractor will appeal his sentence and, if still found guilty, may benefit in the future from a Cuban executive order such as a pardon or a release for humanitarian reasons.

Carter also said the half-a-century-old embargo should be repealed immediately, since it is a hurdle for reform in Cuba.

Also Wednesday, he met with historic Cuban leader Fidel Castro, whom Carter said he found in good shape. The two had previously met during Carter's only prior visit to Cuba, in May 2002. Carter also met with prominent Cuban dissidents, including Oswaldo Paya, Elizardo Sanchez and blogger Yoani Sanchez.

On Tuesday, he met with Cuban President Raul Castro, who told him that Cuba seeks talks with the US government 'on equal terms,' according to an official statement.

'Castro reiterated Cuba's disposition to talk with the US government on any topic, but on equal terms, without conditions and with absolute respect for our independence and sovereignty,' the statement broadcast on state-run television said.

Carter, who was invited to Havana by Castro, and his host discussed 'international current events, the situations in Cuba and the United States and the relationship between both nations,' it said.

National broadcaster Cubavision showed images of the meeting in the Palace of the Revolution, the seat of the government, where the US flag was hung alongside the Cuban flag.

The Carter Center called the three-day trip a 'private mission' with the hope of promoting improved relations between the bitter rivals that have not had formal diplomatic relations since the early 1960s.

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