Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has wrapped up a visit to Cuba. Carter’s trip included meetings with Cuban President Raúl Castro, Fidel Castro and members of opposition groups. Before leaving, Carter called for the release of both a jailed U.S. government contractor in Cuba as well as the “Cuban Five” in the United States. He also urged the repeal of U.S. sanctions.

Jimmy Carter: “I think that Alan Gross should be released, because he’s innocent of any serious crime. And I believe that the Cuban Five should be released, because they have served 12 years in prison now, and the original circumstances of their trial were considered to be doubtful. In addition to those things, my own preference would be to see the Helms-Burton law completely repealed. I think it was a serious mistake when it was passed and signed by President Clinton.”