Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Christie makes demand of Cuba

Gov. Christie has entered the debate over President Obama's decision to normalize relations with Cuba, urging him to demand that the Cuban government return a woman convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper.

Gov. Christie has entered the debate over President Obama's decision to normalize relations with Cuba, urging him to demand that the Cuban government return a woman convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper.

In a letter to Obama released Sunday by Christie's office, the governor seeks the return of Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted of killing Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973 during a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, escaped from prison in 1979 and at some point fled to Cuba. The FBI has her on its list of most-wanted terrorists.

"I do not share your view that restoring diplomatic relations without a clear commitment from the Cuban government of the steps they will take to reverse decades of human rights violations will result in a better and more just Cuba for its people," Christie wrote.

"However, despite my profound disagreement with this decision," he wrote, "I believe there is an opportunity for Cuba and its government to show the American people it is serious about change."

He added he was "very disappointed that returning a convicted killer of a police officer was not already demanded and accomplished in the context of the steps you announced regarding this dictatorship."

Christie, who is considering running for president in 2016, has been selective about expressing opinions on national and international issues. He has advocated for the completion of the Keystone XL pipeline, which Obama has delayed. In the fall, Christie accused the president of underestimating the threat the terrorist group Islamic State posed.

Last month, he criticized Obama over his executive order to halt deportations of undocumented immigrants. Christie has refused to articulate his own position on revamping immigration, saying that until he decides whether to run for president, "I have no role in the debate."

Christie's letter to Obama, dated Dec. 18, was first reported Sunday by Fox News.