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Diaz-Balart: Outraged by the Cuban regime's intent to condemn Alan Gross

February 4, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) made the following statement on the Cuban regime's intent to seek a 20-year prison sentence for U.S. contractor Alan Gross. Diaz-Balart comments:

"It is outrageous that the tyrants in Cuba have finally decided to charge Alan Gross after holding him hostage for more than a year. The farce of a trial that will likely follow will only underscore the futility of negotiating with some of the world's worst human rights abusers.

"While the Obama administration has decided to unilaterally provide concessions and channel additional U.S. dollars to one of the world’s most repressive regimes, the regime responds with a slap in the face. Even worse, loosening the restrictions on travel only puts more Americans at risk. This proves once again that you simply cannot negotiate with terrorists.

"We must reverse this misguided policy of appeasement and protect U.S. citizens from these ruthless dictators."

Issues:Cuba