Durbin: Normalizing Relations With Cuba Long Overdue
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The top Illinois Democrat in Congress applauded President Barack Obama's plan to begin normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba, and end 50 years of isolation.
The announcement came after Obama called Cuban President Raul Castro on Tuesday to discuss the release of Alan Gross, a U.S. government contractor who had been a prisoner in Cuba for five years, as well as an unnamed U.S. intelligence asset.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin was among the American dignitaries who were at Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday to welcome Gross home.
"What a relief. I visited with him in Havana. I know what he's been through," Durbin said.
Gross was serving a 15-year prison sentence in Cuba, for smuggling satellite equipment, until he was released on humanitarian grounds at the request of the U.S.
As part of a prisoner swap, a U.S. intelligence "asset" who had been jailed in Cuba for 20 years also was released by Cuba. U.S. officials confirmed that three Cuban intelligence officers were freed after Gross was released.
Hours after Gross' release, Obama announced the U.S. was taking steps to restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba, ending 50 years of America's "outdated approach" to the communist island nation.
Durbin, the second highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, said the shift in American policy toward Cuba is long overdue.
"After 55 years of embargo and exclusion to put an end to the Castros and communism, they're still there. We should try a new approach. Let's open the doors; trade, travel, exchange ideas. I'm convinced it'll be a positive force for change in Cuba," he said.
He acknowledged many within the Cuban exile community would oppose Obama's move to normalize relations with the Caribbean nation, "but the newer generation of Cuban-Americans wants us to try a fresh approach, and I think most Americans do, too."
"Let's find a way, as we did in bringing down the Soviet empire, to really bring the best ideas and the best opportunities to Cuba. I think it will move them away from communism," he said.
Obama cannot unilaterally end the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba, which was passed by Congress, meaning lawmakers must act to lift it.
For those who enjoy a good Cuban cigar, which have been illegal in the U.S. for half a century, Durbin sounded a note of optimism.
"For those who are looking for Cuban cigars, there may be an opportunity coming," Durbin said.
Republican Senator Mark Kirk released a statement criticizing Obama's decision.
"President Obama has continued the practice of treating our friends like enemies and our enemies like friends. He is giving concessions to dictators and is offering all carrots and no sticks. Such appeasement puts American soldiers, diplomats and humanitarian workers in danger and sets a dangerous precedent for nations that respect democracy and defend human rights," the statement said.