Carter meets imprisoned US contractor

HAVANA, Cuba The announcement was a disappointment for Alan Gross' supporters after expectations rose that the 86-year-old former American leader would be allowed to bring the Maryland native home with him. Gross is serving a 15-year sentence after being convicted of bringing communications equipment into Cuba illegally.

Carter said Wednesday that even before he arrived, Cuban authorities made clear that "the freedom of Alan Gross would not be granted." Carter also said he met with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.