The White House announced on Tuesday that it has decided to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, as stated in an official document signed by President Joe Biden. This move overturns the designation made on January 12, 2021, and sets new assurances between the two nations.
In the statement, President Biden confirmed that the Cuban government has not supported international terrorism in the past six months and has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future. According to the Associated Press (AP), this decision was communicated to Congress as part of an agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church to release political prisoners in Cuba.
U.S. officials noted that "several dozen" prisoners, whom the United States regards as unjustly detained, will be released before Biden's term ends on January 20. The White House document emphasizes that the certification meets the requirements set forth in various U.S. regulations, including provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other laws related to export controls and international security.
Additionally, the document highlights that this decision is made in accordance with sections of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which mandates a thorough review of the designated country's recent behavior. With this announcement, President Biden reiterates his intention to ease tensions with Cuba, although the extent of this change will depend on future actions by both parties.
Biden Eases Restrictions Amid Republican Opposition
As part of this agreement, some economic pressure on Cuba will be relieved, including a review of a 2017 memorandum issued by former President Donald Trump, which hardened the stance toward the island, reported AP. This lifting of restrictions could pave the way for greater economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
The initial designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reinstated by Trump in January 2021, was based on allegations that Cuba supported Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, harbored Colombian rebels, and sheltered U.S. citizens wanted by justice. The Biden administration concluded that there is no credible evidence that the Cuban government is currently involved in international terrorist activities, AP emphasized.
Despite this decision, Republican sectors have voiced their opposition. Senator Ted Cruz described the move as "unacceptable" and stated that he would work with President Trump and colleagues to reverse it. Similarly, Marco Rubio, a senator of Cuban descent and a staunch advocate for sanctions against Havana, is expected to lead efforts to block this policy from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
According to Telemundo, the Biden administration also announced the suspension of U.S. citizens' right to file lawsuits in U.S. courts over properties expropriated in Cuba. This decision aims to reduce economic tensions between the two countries and create a more favorable environment for bilateral cooperation.
Furthermore, it was reported that a list of Cuban entities subject to financial restrictions will be removed, allowing for greater flexibility in economic transactions and alleviating some of the previously imposed limitations. The White House stated that these measures are intended to "help the Cuban people," highlighting that current restrictive policies have significantly impacted the daily lives of Cuban citizens.
This approach is part of a broader effort to promote economic and social well-being in Cuba while maintaining international human rights commitments. Historically, Cuba was first included on the list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1982 under accusations of supporting armed groups such as the Colombian FARC.
Although the Barack Obama administration removed Cuba from this list in 2015 as part of diplomatic thawing, Donald Trump reinstated it in 2021, citing support for Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, the refusal to extradite Colombian guerrillas, and the protection of U.S. citizens wanted by justice.
Cuba and U.S. Relations: Key Changes and Implications
Why did the Biden administration decide to remove Cuba from the terrorism sponsor list?
The Biden administration decided to remove Cuba from the list after determining that there is no credible evidence of the Cuban government's involvement in international terrorism in recent months and assurances from Cuba not to support such acts in the future.
What impact does this decision have on U.S.-Cuba relations?
This decision could ease economic restrictions and pave the way for greater cooperation between the two nations, potentially improving diplomatic and economic relations.
What are the Republican concerns regarding this decision?
Republicans, including Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, oppose the decision, arguing that it undermines efforts to hold the Cuban government accountable, and they are working to reverse the policy.