HAVANA — Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson arrived Wednesday in Cuba to seek the freedom of a U.S. government subcontractor sentenced to 15 years in prison for bringing communications equipment to the island illegally.
It was the first sign that intensifying calls for Alan Gross’ release might bear fruit in a case that has complicated efforts at improved relations between Cold War enemies.
A lawyer for Gross said Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, made the trip at the invitation of the Cuban government, although Richardson would not confirm that or say what he hoped to accomplish on the trip.
“I don’t have any comment,” he said in Havana. “Perhaps at the end of my stay.”
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the Obama administration was aware of the trip. “While Gov. Richardson is traveling as a private citizen, we certainly support his efforts to obtain Alan Gross’ release,” she said.
Gross, a Maryland native, has been jailed since his arrest in December 2009. Cuba says he was distributing satellite telephones and other communications equipment that are illegal to use without authorization. It has also called the USAID-funded democracy program that he was on a thinly veiled attempt at overthrowing the government.
Gross has said he was only trying to help Cuba’s tiny Jewish community improve Internet access.
