In a historic move, U.S. President Joe Biden notified Congress on Tuesday of his administration’s intention to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision marks a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations and is part of a deal aimed at securing the release of political prisoners in the Caribbean nation.
Senior Biden administration officials stated that the move comes after a comprehensive assessment concluded that there is “no credible evidence” to suggest that Cuba is currently supporting international terrorism. “This decision reflects our commitment to a more constructive approach toward Cuba,” an official remarked during a press call.
Reversing Prior Policies
The announcement reverses former President Donald Trump’s January 2021 decision to re-designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a move that had undone the efforts of former President Barack Obama to normalize relations with Havana. The Biden administration’s action restores the diplomacy initiated during the Obama era, signaling a willingness to engage with Cuba on mutual interests.
Officials anticipate that Cuba will release “many dozens” of prisoners by the time Trump is inaugurated again as president on January 20. This expectation underscores the administration’s belief that improved relations can lead to positive changes in Cuba’s human rights practices.
Additional Measures to Strengthen Ties
In conjunction with the delisting, President Biden signed a national security memorandum rescinding a 2017 Cuba sanctions policy known as “National Security Presidential Memorandum 5.” This action effectively lifts restrictions on certain Cuban individuals and entities, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with U.S. counterparts.
To further encourage the Cuban government’s release of prisoners, the administration issued a six-month waiver for Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, this waiver prevents U.S. nationals from filing lawsuits in U.S. courts over properties confiscated by Cuban authorities following the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
International Collaboration
The Biden administration acknowledged the critical role played by the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, in facilitating the prisoner release deal. President Biden recently awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
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Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism
cgtn.com
