FGGAM NEWS received this news release late yesterday:
Pearce Statement on President Obama’s Trip to Cuba
“To make matters worse, Cuba continues to harbor and provide asylum to over 70 known fugitives from American law enforcement – despite bilateral extradition treaties – keeping men like Charlie Hill in Cuba and out of jail. Cuba is taking everything from the United States and the U.S. taxpayer is gaining nothing,” said Congressman Steve Pearce.
Washington, DC (March 22, 2016) Congressman Pearce issued the following statement after the President wrapped up his visit to Cuba:
“Today, the President ends his visit to Cuba – the first by an American President in almost 88 years. The President stated in December that he would go to Cuba when there is progress in the liberty and freedom of the Cuban people; however Cuba has failed to make any progress on this front. Despite horrific ongoing human rights violations and harboring known fugitives, the Obama Administration dropped Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and loosened longstanding sanctions with no real requirement for political reform or rights reform. These actions effectively nullify the over 50-year embargo on Cuba, an embargo aimed at both the political climate of the nation but also the gross human rights abuses that were taking place. Yet, when reflecting on this visit in years to come, only Cuba will be seen as benefiting from this deal. The President’s actions are allowing the Cuban Government to benefit from the American economy, while the Cuban people continue to suffer and face extreme oppression. Instead of focusing on legacy builders and campaign promises, President Obama should be advocating for Western values such as religious and political freedom as well as human rights.
“To make matters worse, Cuba continues to harbor and provide asylum to over 70 known fugitives from American law enforcement – despite bilateral extradition treaties – keeping men like Charlie Hill in Cuba and out of jail. Cuba is taking everything from the United States and the U.S. taxpayer is gaining nothing,” said Congressman Steve Pearce.
In 1971, Charles Hill allegedly shot and killed New Mexico State Police Officer, Robert Rosenbloom. Hill and two accomplices, Michael Finney and Ralph Goodwin, then hijacked Trans World Airlines Flight 106 to Cuba, where President Fidel Castro granted the suspects political asylum. Michael Finney and Ralph Goodwin lived out their lives in Cuba before their deaths in 2005 and 1973 respectively.
“Charles Hill has evaded U.S. prosecution for almost half a century while the Rosenbloom family waits for justice. This is why I introduced legislation that would prohibit the FAA from allowing US flights to Cuba until these fugitives are returned to American soil. The Cuban Government should not be allowed to benefit economically from American tourism, until it meets its treaty obligations. This includes returning all known fugitives to the United States,” added Congressman Pearce.
Congressman Pearce’s bill prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration from accepting and approving commercial flight plans for travel between the United States and Cuba. The bill has received resounding support from the New Mexico State Police. Despite continued concerns between U.S. and Cuba relations, nearly every major airliner has applied for routes to Cuba.
