The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba has formally requested that the United States government permanently remove it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, calling its inclusion arbitrary and unfounded.
The Cuban government's statement was released this Wednesday following the Biden Administration's decision to remove Cuba from the list of countries not fully cooperating with anti-terrorism efforts.
U.S. Department of State's Position
"However, the Department of State continues to include Cuba on a list that designates states that allegedly 'sponsor' terrorism. This is a completely unilateral and baseless list, intended solely to defame and serve as a pretext for the adoption of coercive economic measures," said the Minrex.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged changes in the conditions that previously justified Cuba's inclusion on the list of countries not cooperating with anti-terrorism efforts. This suggests a potential repositioning of U.S. policies towards Cuba and could indicate an initial step towards removing the island from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, potentially leading to a more constructive relationship between the two nations.
"The demand for the U.S. government to correct this injustice is high and reiterated not only by the Cuban people and numerous governments, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, but also by political, social, and religious organizations within the United States," the Minrex insisted.
The Cuban government believes that "the President of the United States has all the prerogatives to act with honesty and do the right thing." However, this decision cannot be made arbitrarily by President Biden.
The Department of State clarified that the designation on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which includes Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba, is managed independently and requires meeting precise legal criteria and standards established by the U.S. Congress.
FAQs on Cuba's Request to Be Removed from Terrorism Sponsors List
In light of the Cuban government's request to be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why does Cuba want to be removed from the terrorism sponsors list?
Cuba argues that its inclusion on the list is arbitrary and unfounded, aimed at defaming the country and justifying coercive economic measures against it.
What has the Biden Administration done regarding Cuba and anti-terrorism efforts?
The Biden Administration has removed Cuba from the list of countries not fully cooperating with anti-terrorism efforts, suggesting a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Cuba.
Who supports Cuba’s removal from the terrorism sponsors list?
Support comes from the Cuban people, numerous governments in Latin America and the Caribbean, and various political, social, and religious organizations within the United States.