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The White House announced this Tuesday the decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, according to an official statement signed by President Joe Biden.
The measure rescinds the designation issued on January 12, 2021 by President Donald Trump, just days before the end of his first presidential term, and establishes new assurances between both nations.
In the statement, President Biden certified that the Cuban government has not provided support for international terrorism in the past six months and has offered assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.
According to the agency AP, this decision was communicated to Congress as part of an arrangement facilitated by the Catholic Church to release political prisoners in Cuba.
U.S. administration officials indicated that "several dozens" of prisoners, deemed unjustly detained by the United States, will be released before Biden's term ends on January 20.
The text published by the White House emphasizes that the certification meets the requirements established in various U.S. regulations, including provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other laws related to export control and international security.
The document also states that this decision is made in accordance with the sections of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which requires a thorough review of the recent behaviors of the designated country.
With this announcement, President Biden reaffirms his intention to ease tensions with Cuba, although the extent of this change will depend on the future actions of both parties.
Biden eases restrictions while Republicans vow to reverse the measure
As part of this agreement, some economic pressure on Cuba will be alleviated, including the revision of a 2017 memorandum issued by former president Donald Trump, which tightened the stance towards the island, reported AP.
This easing 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 accusations that Cuba supported Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, sheltered Colombian rebels, and harbored U.S. citizens wanted by the law.
The Biden administration concluded that there is no credible evidence that the Cuban government is currently involved in international terrorist activities, emphasized AP.
Despite this decision, Republican sectors have expressed their opposition. Senator Ted Cruz described the measure as "unacceptable" and stated that he will work to reverse it alongside President Trump and his colleagues.
On his part, Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American senator and a strong 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 the right of U.S. citizens to file lawsuits in U.S. courts for properties expropriated in Cuba.
This decision aims to reduce economic tensions between the two countries and create a more favorable environment for bilateral cooperation.
In addition, it was reported that a list of Cuban entities subject to financial restrictions will be eliminated, which would allow for greater flexibility in economic transactions and alleviate some of the limitations previously imposed.
The White House indicated that these measures are intended to "help the Cuban people," emphasizing that the existing restrictive policies have had a significant impact on the daily lives of the island's citizens.
This approach is part of a broader effort to promote economic and social well-being in Cuba while upholding international human rights commitments.
Historically, Cuba was first included on the list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1982 under accusations of providing support to armed groups such as the Colombian FARC.
Although the administration of Barack Obama removed Cuba from this list in 2015 as part of the diplomatic thaw, Trump reinstated it in 2021, citing support for Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, refusal to extradite Colombian guerrillas, and protection of U.S. citizens wanted by justice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Removal from the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
Why did the United States remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The United States removed Cuba from the list because the Cuban government has not provided support for international terrorism in the past six months, according to President Biden's certification. Additionally, Cuba has provided assurances that it will not support acts of terrorism in the future, meeting the requirements of various U.S. laws.
What implications does Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism have for relations between the two countries?
The removal of Cuba from the list could pave the way for greater economic and diplomatic cooperation between the United States and Cuba. This decision could also alleviate some of the economic pressure on the island and improve bilateral relations, although the extent of these changes will depend on the future actions of both parties.
What reactions have been generated by the decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The decision to remove Cuba from the list has generated criticism from Republican sectors. Senator Ted Cruz described the measure as "unacceptable" and stated that he will work to reverse it. Senator Marco Rubio is also expected to lead efforts to block this policy from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
What is the role of the Catholic Church in the agreement between the United States and Cuba?
The Catholic Church facilitated an agreement for the release of political prisoners in Cuba, which was part of the process that led to Cuba being removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It is expected that "several dozen" prisoners will be released as a result of this agreement.
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