The firm, known for its specialisation with Cuba, expressed its 'elation and deep satisfaction' over the release of Alan Gross, an American held for five years in Cuba on charges of destabilising the Cuban government. George Harper of the firm said: 'Mr. Gross is now back with his family, where he belongs. His release ushers in a new era in U.S.-Cuba commercial relations, resulting ultimately in the restoration of diplomatic ties and the relaxation of restrictions against business travel and other such economic sanctions.'

Window opened wide

He continued: 'In our nearly 45 years of advising US and multi-national clients who are contemplating or pursuing business prospects in Cuba, we have never seen the window of opportunity open as wide as it has been opened by the release of Mr. Gross.' But he cautioned: 'We do expect that the Cuban Assets Control Regulations will be relaxed to an as yet unknown degree; nevertheless the Cuban embargo, and the economic restrictions embodied in the Cuban Democracy Act and the Helms-Burton Act, are still very much alive, and no one contemplating doing business in Cuba should do so without proper legal advice as to permissible activities there.' Source: PRNewsWire