Prisoner Swap? Cuban Government Makes Proposal In Case Of Accused Md. Spy
HAVANA (WJZ)—The Cuban government breaks its silence. For the first time they propose talks with the United States, regarding a Maryland man accused of spying.
Adam May reports Alan Gross' lawyer is skeptical.
Officials in the Cuban government tell reporters they're willing to negotiate the release of Marylander Alan Gross, an accused spy.
"Today, for the first time, we have made a proposal to the U.S. government as a first step to begin a process and dialogue in the case of Mr. Allan Gross," said Josefina Vidal, Cuban Foreign Ministry.
Gross claims he was on a humanitarian mission, setting up Internet service for a Jewish community, when he was arrested in 2009. Since then his wife has been fighting for his release.
"He feels like he's been deserted. He wants to know where his country is," said Judy Gross, wife.
"To this moment we have not received any response from the U.S. government," Vidal said. "So it shows the lack of interest in this case is not on the Cuban side, but the U.S. side."
Cuba may propose a prisoner swap for the Cuban Five.
Last week, Cubans rallied for the release of the men who were convicted of spying on the United States in 2001.
On Monday, their attorneys discussed appeal options.
"The Cuban government appears content to play games with Alan Gross' life. Cuba had not made any specific offer to the United States," said Jared Genser.
The U.S. State Department rejects a prisoner swap involving the Cuban Five. It's unclear if Cuba will make other demands.
Gross is serving a 15-year prison sentence.
