In a significant policy shift, the Biden administration has removed Cuba from the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden notified Congress of the decision, signaling a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Havana. Senior administration officials stated that an assessment concluded there was “no credible evidence” that Cuba is currently supporting international terrorism.
This move reverses the action taken by former President Donald Trump in January 2021, when he re-designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism in the final days of his term. Trump’s decision had undone efforts by former President Barack Obama, who lifted the designation during his administration to normalize relations with the Caribbean nation.
The Biden administration’s decision is also part of a deal aimed at securing the release of political prisoners in Cuba, as well as individuals deemed by Washington to be unjustly detained by the Cuban government. Officials expect “many dozens” of prisoners to be released as a result.
Additionally, President Biden signed a national security memorandum rescinding a 2017 Cuba sanction 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 encourage the Cuban government to release prisoners, the administration issued a six-month waiver for Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. This move prevents U.S. nationals and others from pursuing legal claims in U.S. courts over properties confiscated by Cuban authorities after the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
The White House and senior administration officials acknowledged the role of the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, in facilitating the prisoner release deal. President Biden recently awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his contributions.
The delisting of Cuba from the terrorism list marks a notable development in U.S.-Cuba relations, with potential implications for diplomacy and engagement between the two nations.
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Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism
cgtn.com
