JNN 05 Feb 2011 : Cuban prosecutors say they are seeking a 20-year prison sentence for US contractor Alan Gross, who was arrested in Havana on espionage charges.

Gross is accused of “Acts Against the Independence and Territorial Integrity of the State,” according to a Cuban government statement published by the country’s Communist Party newspaper Granma on Friday, Reuters reported.

The statement said a trial date would be set shortly.

Cuban authorities arrested Gross at his Havana hotel in December 2009 on charges of illegally importing satellite communications equipment and of possibly spying.

Washington claims that Gross worked for a non-governmental organization contracted by the US State Department to supply computer and communications material and Internet access for the Jewish community in Cuba.

Under Cuban law, he could have faced the death penalty for his crime.

The US has demanded his release on a number of occasions and said there would be no major initiatives in US-Cuba relations until he is free.

Gross’ detention has created a rift between Havana and Washington, stalling steps by the governments of US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro to improve ties.

The United States and Cuba have not had formal diplomatic ties since 1961.