U.S. citizen under investigation in Cuba for spying

U.S. contractor Alan Gross, who was arrested for alleged espionage activities in December, remains under investigation, said Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Wednesday.

"Mr. Alan Gross is in custody for violating Cuban laws and committing serious crimes in our country by serving the subversive policy of the United States against Cuba," said Bruno Rodriguez during a press conference in Havana.

Gross was arrested in Havana on December 5 last year for distributing laptops, satellite phones and other technological equipment among groups opposing to leader Raul Castro, the Cuban authorities said.

Rodriguez also noted that the accused U.S. national has secured his defense. He has received permanent consular assistance and had communications with his family.

Washington has denied that Gross was linked with its intelligence agencies and added that he was dedicated to connect Cuban citizens to Internet as an employee of the Development Alternatives Inc.

The Cuban and the U.S. governments' third migratory talks will be held in Washington Friday. In the previous negotiation in Havana on February,the U.S. delegation has demanded an immediate release of Gross.

Source: Xinhua