Alan Gross, on American soil since yesterday morning, said at a press conference that the Cuban people is in no way responsible for his imprisonment for five years on the island: “For me, the Cubans, at least most of them they are incredibly kind, generous and talented. “He added: “It’s a blessing to be a citizen of the United States. Thanks President Obama for everything you have done on this day, “according to a statement published in The Guardian.
“The decision to organize and secure my release was made from the Oval Office. In the last letter I sent to Obama, he wrote that despite having been imprisoned for five years, I would not change my job for his, and of course I would not do it in this glorious moment, “said Gross in his short speech from the office of his lawyer in Washington DC.
Regarding the news of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, the former prisoner praised the decision by President Barack Obama to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, noting that more than five decades of history showed that the old policy did not work, AP noted.
According to The Washington Post, Jill Zuckman, family spokesman, said Gross was warned on Tuesday morning in a telephone call to his lawyer, Scott Gilbert, to which he replied: “When I see it, I will believe it.”
Gross also appreciated the efforts made by his wife, Judy Gross, and his lawyer, as well as members of Congress, the Washington Jewish community, and volunteers who supported his cause.
