Richardson talks detainee release in Cuba

HAVANA, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson flew to Cuba this week to discuss the release of U.S. government subcontractor Alan Gross.

Richardson, who speaks fluent Spanish and has made at least one other visit to the country to discuss the issue, was invited by the Raul Castro government, The El Nuevo Herald reported.

Gross, 62, of Potomac, Md., has been detained in Cuba since 2009 for illegally bringing satellite communication equipment into the country.

Gross's attorney Peter J. Kahn, issued a statement Wednesday saying, "We are pleased that the Cuban government invited Governor Richardson to Havana."

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said U.S. officials "are aware of Governor Richardson's trip to Cuba and have been in contact with him. While Governor Richardson is traveling as a private citizen, we certainly support his efforts to obtain Alan Gross's release."

Gross was arrested in 2009 in Havana after delivering a satellite telephone to Cuba's tiny Jewish community, the newspaper said.