U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday that President Joe Biden does not intend to alter his policy toward Cuba before his term concludes on January 20. During a parliamentary committee session, Blinken stated that no changes are expected in the administration's stance on Cuba before Biden's departure from office.
"I do not foresee any modifications in our policy towards Cuba by this administration," Blinken, the top diplomat of the United States, emphasized. When questioned about the possibility of removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism before the end of Biden's presidency, Blinken reiterated, "As I mentioned, I do not anticipate any changes."
The inclusion of Cuba on this list, a designation dating back to 1982, subjects the island nation to stringent economic sanctions. These sanctions are often cited by Cuba as a reason for its poor economic performance and widespread crisis. In 2015, President Barack Obama removed Cuba from the list as part of efforts to normalize relations with the Cuban regime.
However, former President Donald Trump reinstated Cuba on the list just a week before leaving office, a decision that the Biden administration has maintained despite some expectations that it might be reversed. The sanctions associated with this designation complicate Cuba's access to international financing and exacerbate the economic and political tensions between the two countries.
To date, the Biden administration has not taken concrete steps to change this status, leaving many to speculate that a last-minute change could occur, reminiscent of President Obama's decision to end the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy three days before leaving office.
Cuba and U.S. Relations: Current Policy Insights
Why is Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
Cuba has been on the list since 1982, which imposes severe economic sanctions. These sanctions are intended to restrict Cuba's ability to support terrorism-related activities.
Has the Biden administration made any changes to Cuba policy?
As of now, the Biden administration has not made any changes to the existing policy regarding Cuba, maintaining the decisions made by the previous administration.
What impact does the terrorism list have on Cuba?
Being on the list limits Cuba's access to international financing and exacerbates its economic challenges, contributing to the strained relationship with the United States.