Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended this Wednesday before Cuban-American members of Congress the decision to exclude the island from the list of countries that do not fully cooperate with the anti-terrorism efforts of the United States.
After being questioned by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, the official responded that "the statute of non-total cooperation requires an annual review" and "police cooperation with Cuba has been resumed for national interest, therefore the basis for the designation was no longer in place," as cited by Martí Noticias.
Blinken explained that the basis for the designation by the previous administration was "the presence of members of the National Liberation Army of Colombia in Cuba"; but this year, "the Colombian government no longer seeks the extradition" of the same individuals.
Díaz-Balart pointed out that the Cuban government still provides refuge to fugitives wanted by U.S. authorities, while giving the example of Víctor Manuel Rocha, the former diplomat sentenced in April to 15 years in prison for spying for Cuba.
Besides, Havana signed a military agreement with Belarus to train Cubans who later join the war against Ukraine.
"We continue to fight and take measures but in this particular case, given the annual requirement, that is the decision we have made," the Secretary of State emphasized.
Díaz-Balart stated that Blinken continues to maintain the United States' relations with the Cuban dictators and "coddling" the dangerous anti-American dictatorship.
Likewise, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar questioned Blinken and said that the Cuban dictatorship supports "Hamas and terrorist organizations that affect the interests of the United States...".
Last week, the United States removed Cuba from the list of countries that do not fully cooperate with its counterterrorism efforts, but confirmed it on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The regime had asked the White House to remove it from that second list, arguing that inclusion in it entails sanctions that affect the island's economy.
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