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With the ralselease of alan gross. you talked about the things under the law that must occur for the embargo to be lifted. one of the things that struck me is with a a product of its time. president obama in 2009 when he saw this flourishing of democratic movement in iran talked about how access to the internet is a human right. and i think here, you know one of the things that would be important to see, frankly, inside cuba that would signify change and real freedom if there was the kind of access to the internet and better access for people to go online to connect with others to connect with...

Elections or the process calling for democratic elections. the release of political prisoners, and the opening up of freedom of expression of the press, labor unions. if all of these three points aren't started, the embargo as it is codified in law cannot be removed. however, as kristen is reporting there are a lot of things the president can do through the u.s. treasury for example, giving credit to cuba for purchases of american agricultural products. that the treasury department can do. permitting americans to visit cuba with more regularity that is something that the treasury can do. the s...

In that country? >> well, the americans, first of all, have an enormous impact in terms of the financing of traveling there, the remittances, the amount of money they bring in that they spend. it was clear to me in talking to a number of countries' ambassadors when i was down there that the american influence on cuba is huge. the more we open this up the more we're going able to both sides benefit. and protect ourselves in many areas where we just aren't involved right now. >> and do you think there can be changes in cuba regardless of what the americans do or don't do in that country when you...

With relations to cuba. what he cannot do is remove the embargo codified in law and asked for three specific things. calling of free and fair elections, freeing of political prisoners, and freedom of expression freedom of union, freedom to organize. the president can do a lot more. that's why it's so important that we hear what the president has to say today at noon 9:00 pacific. we'll, of course, be bringing you his comments live from the white house. i want to bring in msnbc. this is a rapidly developing story not only affects one family or the release of three cuban spies. it also may have ...

I think everybody is in unity on this. it is a good thing. on maybe what the united states is going to do going forward on this. >> you know i would, first of all, congratulate judy. this is a joyous occasion for the gross family. this is something we should all celebrate. you're right. there's a real difference of opinion here. i think it's long overdue to ease up travel restrictions, to establish regular relations with cuba. to try to do everything we can to normalize relations. i think that would be a good thing for both countries and the people of both countries. >> and, senator, how do yo...