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March 31, 2011

Carter Calls for End to Cuba Embargo, Release of Prisoners 
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has wrapped up a visit to Cuba.
Carter's trip included meetings with Cuban President Raul Castro, Fidel
Castro and members of opposition groups. Before leaving, Carter called
for the release of both a jailed U.S. government contractor in Cuba, as
well as the "Cuban Five" in the United States. He also urged the repeal
of U.S. sanctions.

Jimmy Carter: "I think Alan Gross should be released because he's
innocent of any serious crime. And I believe that the Cuban Five should
be released because they've served 12 years in prison now, and the
original circumstances of their trial were considered to be doubtful. In
addition to those things, my own preference would be to see the
Helms-Burton law completely repealed. I think it was a serious mistake
when it was passed and signed by President Clinton."



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