Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images.

Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images.

In a televised press briefing this afternoon, President Barack Obama announced new measures to begin “normalizing” relations with Cuba.

The announcement comes on the heels of the release of Alan Gross, an American aid worker from Potomac, Md. who has been imprisoned by the Cuban government for the past five years over espionage charges. Gross’ release is part of a deal with the Cuban government Obama announced today to begin “normalizing” relations between the two countries after more than 50 years of diplomatic tensions.

“Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past, so as to reach for a better future,” Obama said during the press briefing. “It does not serve America’s interests, or the Cuban people, to try to push Cuba toward collapse.” Obama’s announcement to improve relations with Cuba includes a number of first steps, including initiatives to:

  • Re-establish diplomatic relations.
  • More effectively empower the Cuban people by adjusting regulations.
  • Facilitate an expansion of travel to Cuba.
  • General licenses will be made available for all authorized travelers in 12 existing categories.
  • Authorize expanded sales and exports of certain goods and services from the U.S. to Cuba.
  • Authorize American citizens to import additional goods from Cuba.
  • Initiate new efforts to increase Cubans’ access to communications.
  • and their ability to communicate freely.

    This morning, Gross arrived back on U.S. soil for the first time since his arrest in Cuba in 2009. Gross was hired as a USAID subcontractor by the U.S. government in February of 2009 and tasked with traveling to Cuba to help improve Internet access for Jewish communities. However, problems arose when the Cuban government discovered that the wireless networks he was installing could potentially bypass their Internet surveillance. He arrested and charged with committing treason and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

    While in prison, CNN reports that his health was greatly deteriorating:

    Gross’ lawyer, Scott Gilbert, told CNN last month the years of confinement have taken their toll on his client. Gross has lost more than 100 pounds and is losing his teeth. His hips are so weak that he can barely walk and he has lost vision in one eye. He has also undertaken hunger strikes and threatened to take his own life.

    As part of the deal to release Gross, CNN also reports the American government “released three Cuban intelligence agents convicted of espionage in 2001.” Additionally, Cuba also released a U.S. intelligence source who’s been locked up for more than 20 years.

    “To the Cuban people, America extends a hand of friendship,” Obama said. “Let us leave behind the legacy of both colonization and communism—the tyranny of drug cartels, dictators and sham elections.”

    You can watch Obama’s full address below:

    • Filed Under: alan gross, Cuba, cuba relations, obama,