Sen. Corker Reacts to Developments in Cuba

   
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama says the U.S. will end its outdated approach to Cuba that has failed to advance U.S. interests.
   
Obama is announcing that the U.S. and Cuba have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and open economic and travel ties.
   
Obama says the U.S. is changing its relationship with Cuba. He says it’s the most significant change in U.S. policy toward Cuba in more than 50 years.
   
Obama says the U.S. will now begin to normalize its relations with Cuba and begin a new chapter. He says the U.S. intends to create more opportunities for Americans and Cubans to work together.
   
Senior administration officials say Obama and Cuba’s Raul Castro spoke by phone Tuesday for more than 45 minutes. It’s the first substantive conversation between U.S. and Cuban leaders since 1961.
   
The call follows more than a year of secret discussions between the U.S. and Cuban officials. The talks happened in Canada and the Vatican and included personal involvement by Pope Francis.

Senator Bob Corker released this statement on the release of Alan Gross today.

 

“This morning, I was notified of the release of Alan Gross as well as the president’s negotiations with the Cuban government. I am pleased Alan Gross will be reunited with this family after suffering years of unjust imprisonment and mistreatment by the Castro regime.
 
“The new U.S. policy announced by the administration is no doubt sweeping, and as of now there is no real understanding as to what changes the Cuban government is prepared to make. We will be closely examining the implications of these major policy changes in the next Congress.”