Sinn Féin’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD, has welcomed today’s historic announcement of a thaw in Cuban-US relations which includes the release of the 3 remaining members of the Cuban 5 and Alan Gross, a US citizen detained in Cuba.

Deputy Crowe said:

“I warmly welcome the reports that the USA and Cuba will start talks on normalizing full diplomatic and economic relations.

“It was extremely encouraging to hear that the US will release the 3 remaining members of the Cuban 5 who were unjustly imprisoned for attempting to stop right wing militants from bombing and directly attacking Cuba.

“I hope they enjoy the Christmas holidays with their family and loved ones.

“I hope these collective prisoners release will help build confidence on both sides and create a positive inclusive backdrop for these new talks.

“This marks a historic shift in US-Cuban relations and I hope, with many others, that this will lead to a new approach towards agreement which will improve bilateral relations.

“The US blockade of Cuba was unjust, counterproductive, and should be lifted. I hope these new talks will lead to a new beginning and end to a historic conflict that has impacted so negatively on the ordinary Cuban people.

“I agree with US President Obama and the Cuban President Rául Castro that changes are the right thing to do.”

ENDS