Diaz-Balart disappointed with Governor Bill Richardson's visit to Cuba

Washington, DC – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in regards to Governor Bill Richardson’s travel to Cuba. Diaz-Balart comments:

“Iam verydisappointedthat, once again,former Governor Bill Richardson is traveling to Cuba to schmooze with dictators. Instead of rewarding the regime's unconscionable hostage-taking of U.S. humanitarian aid workerAlan Gross and its atrocious human rights record with yet another high-profile visit, the U.S. should tighten sanctions,provide greater support to thegrowingdissident movement,andintensify its pro-democracy efforts on the island. Unfortunately, Governor Richardson's tripis a step in the wrong direction.

“Nearly 20 months after his arrest, Mr. Gross continues to wither away in a Cuban prison because he tried to bring internet access to Cuba’s Jewish community. This “crime” won him a 15-year prison sentence in a Cuban kangaroo court. When dealing with a regime where the universal right to information is criminalized and labeled a threat to state sovereignty, there is nothing to negotiate and no principle that can be compromised. Mr. Gross has become a hostage and pawn of a ruthless regime and terrorist state. There can be no justification for his imprisonment or equivocation that could make his arrest acceptable. He must be released immediately and unconditionally, without further delay.

“While in Cuba, Governor Richardson should seize the opportunity to meet with Cuba’s brave pro-democracy opposition – the future leadership of Cuba – rather than hobnobbing with dictators. Unfortunately, the Governor’s long history in Cuba demonstrates that he is more interested in his own self-aggrandizement and appeasing the regime than he is in working to support the Cuban people.”