The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it is removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations. President Joe Biden notified Congress of the decision, which comes as part of a deal to free political prisoners in the Caribbean nation and those deemed unjustly detained by Havana.
Senior administration officials revealed during a press call that the move followed a comprehensive assessment concluding there is “no credible evidence” that Cuba is currently supporting international terrorism. “This decision reflects our commitment to engaging with Cuba on issues of mutual interest and working toward a more constructive relationship,” one official stated.
The action reverses the designation made by former President Donald Trump in January 2021, when he re-added Cuba to the list in the final days of his term. Trump’s decision had undone efforts by former President Barack Obama, who had lifted Cuba’s terror designation during his second term as part of a broader initiative to normalize relations.
As part of the agreement, senior officials expect Cuba to release “many dozens” of prisoners by the time President Trump is inaugurated again on January 20. The administration views this prisoner release as a critical step toward improving human rights conditions in Cuba.
Additionally, President Biden signed a national security memorandum rescinding the 2017 Cuba sanction policy known as “National Security Presidential Memorandum 5,” effectively lifting restrictions on certain Cuban individuals and entities conducting financial transactions with U.S. persons and entities.
To further encourage the Cuban government, the administration issued a six-month waiver for Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. This move blocks U.S. nationals and others from bringing claims in U.S. courts over property confiscated by Cuban authorities after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, aiming to ease longstanding tensions over property disputes.
The White House acknowledged the role of the Catholic Church in facilitating the prisoner release deal. Both senior administration officials and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referenced the contributions of Pope Francis, whom President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday.
“We are grateful for the Vatican’s support in these negotiations,” Jean-Pierre said. “This collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.”
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Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism
cgtn.com
