In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Joe Biden notified Congress on Tuesday of his administration’s intent to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision is part of a broader agreement aimed at freeing political prisoners in Cuba and individuals deemed unjustly detained by the government in Havana.
Senior Biden administration officials, speaking during a press call, stated that an assessment concluded there is “no credible evidence” that Cuba is currently supporting international terrorism. This move reverses former President Donald Trump’s decision in January 2021 to re-designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, which had overturned efforts by former President Barack Obama to normalize relations with the Caribbean nation.
The officials anticipate that Cuba will release “many dozens” of prisoners by the time Trump would be inaugurated again as president on January 20.
Additionally, President Biden signed a national security memorandum to rescind a 2017 Cuba sanction policy implemented by then-President Trump, known as “National Security Presidential Memorandum 5.” This action effectively lifts restrictions on certain Cuban individuals and entities conducting financial transactions with U.S. persons and entities.
To further encourage the Cuban government to release prisoners, the Biden administration issued a waiver for Title III of the Helms Burton Act for a period of six months, according to a statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This move prevents U.S. nationals and others from bringing claims in U.S. courts over property confiscated by Cuban authorities following the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
The administration acknowledged the role of the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, in facilitating the prisoner release deal. President Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, highlighting the Pope’s contributions to international diplomacy and human rights.
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Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism
cgtn.com
