Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, defended the decision to exclude Cuba from the list of countries that do not fully cooperate with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts during a meeting with Cuban-American congress members on Wednesday.
After being questioned by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Blinken responded that "the statute of non-cooperation requires an annual review" and that the U.S. has resumed "law enforcement cooperation with Cuba for national interest reasons, therefore the basis for the designation was no longer valid," cited Martí Noticias.
Blinken explained that the previous administration's basis for the designation was "the presence of members of the National Liberation Army of Colombia in Cuba"; however, this year "the Colombian government is no longer seeking their extradition." Díaz-Balart reminded that the Cuban government still harbors fugitives wanted by U.S. authorities, citing the case of Víctor Manuel Rocha, the former diplomat sentenced to 15 years in prison for spying for Cuba.
Additionally, Díaz-Balart highlighted that Havana signed a military agreement with Belarus to train Cubans who then join the war against Ukraine. "We continue to fight and take measures, but in this particular case, given the annual requirement, that is the determination we made," emphasized the Secretary of State.
Díaz-Balart asserted that Blinken continues to maintain U.S. relations with Cuban dictators and "coddle" the dangerous anti-American dictatorship. Likewise, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar questioned Blinken, stating that the Cuban dictatorship supports "Hamas and terrorist organizations that affect U.S. interests."
Last week, the United States removed Cuba from the list of countries that do not fully cooperate with its anti-terrorism efforts but confirmed it on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The regime had requested that the White House remove it from this second list, arguing that its inclusion entails sanctions that impact the island's economy.
FAQs on Cuba's Exclusion from Non-Cooperative Countries List
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent decision to exclude Cuba from the list of non-cooperative countries in anti-terrorism efforts and its implications.
Why was Cuba excluded from the list of non-cooperative countries?
Cuba was excluded because the U.S. has resumed law enforcement cooperation with Cuba for national interest reasons, and the Colombian government is no longer seeking the extradition of National Liberation Army members residing in Cuba.
Does Cuba still support terrorist organizations?
According to Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, the Cuban dictatorship supports Hamas and other terrorist organizations that affect U.S. interests.
Is Cuba still on any U.S. terrorism-related lists?
Yes, while Cuba has been removed from the list of non-cooperative countries, it remains on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.