Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Mexico (Agenzia Fides) - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in a statement signed by His Exc. Mgr. Oscar Cantù, Bishop of Las Cruces and President of the Episcopal Commission "Justice and Peace", expressed his joy at the announcement of diplomatic relations with Cuba, for the release of the American Alan Gross and the other prisoners accused of spying.
"We are also encouraged - is what is written in the note sent to Agency Fides – by the announcement made by the (Obama) administration regarding important actions that promote dialogue, reconciliation, trade, cooperation and contact between our respective nations and citizens".
"We believe it is time for the United States to establish full diplomatic relations with Cuba", said Mgr. Cantù. Among the desirable actions he indicated the removal of all restrictions on travel to Cuba, the abandonment of the term "terrorist" used to refer to all the realities of Cuba, the promotion of trade and the anulment of restrictions on business and finance.
The Bishops also seek to facilitate cooperation in the fields of environmental protection, control of drug and human trafficking, and in the scientific field. "Participation is the way to support change in Cuba and support the Cuban people in their quest for democracy, human rights and religious freedom", concluded Mgr. Cantù. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 18/12/2014)
