In a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations, President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that his administration is removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision comes as part of a deal to secure the release of political prisoners held in Cuba and those deemed unjustly detained by the government in Havana.
Senior officials from the Biden administration revealed during a press call that this move follows a comprehensive assessment which found “no credible evidence” that Cuba is currently supporting international terrorism. “Our evaluation confirms that Cuba does not meet the criteria for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism,” an official stated.
This action reverses the decision made by former President Donald Trump in January 2021, during the final days of his term. Trump’s re-designation of Cuba was seen as a rollback of the efforts towards normalization initiated by former President Barack Obama, who had previously lifted Cuba’s terror designation in pursuit of improved bilateral relations.
The Biden administration expects that Cuba will release “many dozens” of prisoners by the time President Trump is inaugurated again on January 20.
In addition to delisting Cuba, President Biden signed a national security memorandum rescinding the 2017 Cuba sanctions policy known as “National Security Presidential Memorandum 5.” This effectively lifts restrictions on certain Cuban individuals and entities engaging in financial transactions with U.S. persons and entities.
To further incentivize the Cuban government, the administration issued a six-month waiver for Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, as announced by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This move prevents U.S. nationals and others from bringing legal claims in U.S. courts over property confiscated by Cuban authorities following the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
Senior administration officials and Jean-Pierre also acknowledged the significant role of the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, in facilitating the prisoner release deal. On Saturday, President Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his contributions.
This development marks a notable step in U.S.-Cuba relations, potentially opening doors for further engagement between the two nations and bringing hope to families of those detained.
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Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism
cgtn.com
