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Havana shows concern over hunger strike by US government contractor Gross, jailed in Cuba

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2012 file photo provided by U.S. lawyer James L. Berenthal, jailed American Alan Gross poses for a photo during a visit by Rabbi Elie Abadie and Berenthal at Finlay military hospital in Havana, Cuba. Gross, a U.S. government subcontractor imprisoned in Cuba, released a statement through his lawyer Tuesday, April 8, 2014, saying he began fasting to protest his treatment by the governments of Cuba and the United States. (AP Photo/James L. Berenthal, File) (The Associated Press)

HAVANA – The Cuban government is expressing concern over a hunger strike launched by a U.S. government subcontractor imprisoned on the island.

Alan Gross is a 64-year-old from Maryland who is serving a 15-year sentence in Cuba. He was convicted of crimes against the state after he was caught setting up illegal Internet access for the country's small Jewish community.

Gross announced Tuesday that he had begun his fast the previous week to protest his ongoing incarceration. He expressed frustration at both his own and the Cuban governments' failure so far to resolve his case.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry issued a statement Wednesday reiterating its willingness to negotiate a solution with the U.S. government. It said Gross has been receiving all due medical attention.