The U.S. government is currently in talks with Cuba for the release of American contractor Alan Gross, according to USA Today.
Gross, who was hired by the U.S. Agency for International Deployment (USAID) to install an Internet network system in Cuba, was arrested in 2009 under charges of espionage. Last Dec. 3 marked the American's fifth year of imprisonment as part of his 15-year sentence.
"Five years ago today, Alan Gross was arrested for efforts to help ordinary Cuban citizens have greater access to information through the Internet," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement.
"The administration remains focused on securing Alan's freedom from a Cuban prison, and returning him safely to his wife and children where he belongs," he added.
Earlier in November, the Cuban government offered to conduct a prisoner swap with U.S. to settle the negotiations for Gross' release. According to the deal, U.S. must release three imprisoned Cuban intelligence agents in exchange for Gross, CNN has learned.
However, the U.S. declined the offer and argued that Gross is only an aid worker and not an enemy of the state of Cuba.
As the 65-year-old Gross enters his sixth year in prison, the White House has become more concerned regarding his health condition. ABC News reported that people who had the chance to visit him recently said he has lost over 100 pounds.
In addition, Gross is suffering from hip damage which has severely affected his ability to walk.
"We remain deeply concerned for Alan's health, and reiterate our call for his release," Earnest stated. "The Cuban government's release of Alan on humanitarian grounds would remove an impediment to more constructive relations between the United States and Cuba."
His wife, Judy Gross, released a statement on the anniversary of his incarceration to warn the White House that her husband might die in Cuba if he is not released immediately.
"My husband has paid a terrible price for serving his country and community," she said. "Alan is resolved that he will not endure another year imprisoned in Cuba, and I am afraid that we are at the end. After five years of wasting away, Alan is done."
"It is time for President Obama to bring back Alan to the United States now, otherwise it will be too late," Mrs. Gross added.
