Obama and Castro hail historic breakthrough for US-Cuba relations - as it happened

A reporter asks why the administration thinks sanctions would work on Russia but not on Cuba.

Earnest tries to counter by reneging somewhat on his “look at history” approach, saying that we should take each nation on a case-by-case basis.

He concedes that while sanctions have weakened the economy, “we haven’t seen the changes” in Kremlin decision-making “that we would have liked to seen.”

Finally Earnest finds a way out of the trap set for him: “Here’s the difference, the sanctions regime on Cuba has been unilateral! We’re the only country in the world with this!”

He says that because it’s only been a year, and because the EU and others stand with the US in placing punitive sanctions on Russia, do the policies and nations represent very different case studies.

Asked about what has Cuba done to show it’s willingness to change Earnest lists three things: the release of political prisoners, internet and telecom access, and a commitment to international groups.

• “First, based on its own assessment and the urging of the United States, did release more than 50 political prisoners.”
  

These were names that were provided by the US government,” he says; some have already been released and some will be released in the next few days. Fifty-three prisoners were named on that list.

• “Second, they agreed to allow the import and installation and use of American telecommunications equipment,” he adds, saying that this will provide Cubans more information and better freedom of information.

• “And third we saw the Cuban government commit to greater” cooperation with the UN and the Red Cross, “so these are three things that the Castro regime refused to do for 50 years, [and] there was no evidence that they were more likely to do these things after a 50-year policy that was in place.

“There will be more pressure on the Cuban regime brought to bear that will force them to better respect human rights.”

Earnest also points out that the Obama recently visited China and Burma, who have far from spotless records on human rights.

Openness with Cuba will both “empower the Cuban people” and be a boon for American business, Earnest says.

“We will see greater economic engagement between the United States and Cuba.”

The US Department of Commerce “certainly believes” this will have a good impact, Earnest says. He quotes Penny Pritzker, the commerce secretary, from her statement, which for simplicity’s sake you can read an excerpt of here:

These historic actions by the President chart a new course for our country’s relationship with Cuba and its people. It will improve the lives of millions and will help spur long overdue economic and political reform across the country. Expanding economic engagement between the Cuban people and the American business community will be a powerful catalyst that will strengthen human rights and the rule of law.

Today’s action by the President represents a powerful step forward to increase human connection and entrepreneurial activity.

I look forward to visiting Cuba to lead our efforts to expand our commercial diplomacy as part of the President’s initiative to encourage positive change in Cuba.”’

Earnest adds that President Obama was very happy to get to speak with Alan Gross this morning on the phone.

A reporter asks Earnest about whether the next president could simply undo these actions: close the embassy, restrict travel, etc.

Earnest: “I guess as a legal matter that is true. I suspect however, it’s hard to imagine, that anyone’s going to campaign for this office saying, ‘You know that policy we had in place for five decades and didn’t do anything? We’re going to do that!’”

A reporter shoots back that Jeb Bush has said something along those lines.

Earnest: “I recognized that’s very popular with some very committed people … I certainly respect their views. But I think any cold-eyed assessment … would acknowledge that that policy did not succeed. Since that policy the Castro regime has contineud to exist … continued to trample” simple freedoms, Earnest continues.

“I wouldn’t rule out a presidential visit” to Havana, Earnest says when asked about whether Obama could make a trip to Cuba.

He beats around the proverbial bush: “The president did hint that senior government officials will carry out the kind of work that’s indicative of two nations.”

“Like many Americans he has seen that Cuba is a place where they have a beautiful climate and a lot of fun things to do. So if there’s an opportunity to visit I’m sure he wouldn’t turn it down, how about that?”

The US-Cuban spy swap is “consistent” with exchanges the US has made over many years, White House spokesman Josh Earnest tells reporters at a press briefing.

Earnest deflects questions about when the spy provided information, or about what intelligence exactly was provided. He says the spy is “on American soil” and a “legitimate hero”.

He adds that he’s probably “the highest valued Cuban intelligence asset in US history”.

Finally, Gross makes a personal appeal to the press: “I hope you respect my wishes for complete and total privacy. Claro?”

“Freedom is not free,” he says, adding that his lawyer, family and supporters personify that idea.

“We must never forget the two pillars of Moses’ covenant, freedom and responsibility. … I am blessed finally to have the freedom to lead a productive life.

“I’ll close with a quote from a Nelson DeMille character: ‘It’s good to be home.’”

And with one last thank you he takes exits off stage right.

“Ultimately my release came from the Oval Office,” Gross continues, saying he does not envy Barack Obama in the slightest.

“Five years of isolation notwithstanding, I did not need daily briefings to be cognizant of the undoubtedly incredible challenges facing our nation and the international community.

“I also want to express my utmost respect and admiration for the people of Cuba. In no way are ordinary Cubans responsible for [my imprisonment or condition].

““To me, Cubanos, or at least most of them, are incredibly kind, generous and talented. It pains me to see them treated [so poorly] by two governments.

Gross says “such belligerence” cannot solve anything: “two wrongs don’t make a right. I truly hope we can get beyond these belligerent policies.”

He says he enjoyed sitting next to secretary of state John Kerry “as he learned his job description for the next few years”.

“But in all seriousness, this is a game changer which I fully support.”

Gross begins speaking to reporters:

This is great … happy holiday season to all of you, today is the first day of Hanukkah, and I guess it’s the best Hanukkah I’ll be celebrating””

“Thank you President Obama for everything you’ve done. Today and before.

“I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of my wife Judy. For 44 and a half years we’ve been married and my lawyer and personal Moses is Scott Gilten, and their efforst to restore my freedom. They have my gratitude and respect.”

He thanks his wife and lawyer for their “relentless efforts”, as well as Senator Patrick Leahy and members of Congress.

“It was crucial to my survival knowing I was not forgotten.”

Alan Gross is due to speak in about five minutes – a US representative tells us that he’s lost about five teeth and suffered a number of health issues recently.

Meanwhile Canada also sends its congratulations, and says a bit more about its role in the secret talks between the US and Cuba, has also sent its congratulations. Prime minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that he supports a future Cuba that “fully embraces freedom and the rule of law”.

Harper also said that Canada’s role as host for secret talks “allowed the two nations the discretion they required”.

Ben Rhodes, US deputy national security adviser, and Ricardo Zuniga, the top Latin American specialist on the National Security Council, both took part in the Canada talks. Cuba has not said who it sent to the meetings.