Several Cuban-American lawmakers have strongly condemned the decision by President Joe Biden to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, labeling it a "betrayal" of the interests of the United States and the cause of freedom for the Cuban people.
According to Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez, in a video posted on Facebook by journalist Mario Vallejo, this decision economically strengthens the Castro regime, facilitating the continuity of its repressive apparatus and perpetuating the oppression of the Cuban people.
Lawmakers criticized that this action contradicts the promises previously made by the Biden administration.
"This president has done everything possible to assist the tyranny in Havana, just as in Managua and Caracas," stated Diaz-Balart.
Salazar emphasized that this decision "provides economic oxygen to the repressive apparatus of the Castro regime, allowing it to continue repressing the people."
Additionally, he questioned the role of Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who, as he pointed out, did not resign or oppose the order issued by the White House to remove Cuba from the list.
“Blinken assured me in the Foreign Relations Committee that they were not considering removing Cuba from the list, but then he changed his position when the White House ordered him to do so,” they reported.
Giménez expressed his concern about the impact of this decision on the foreign policy of the United States.
"Biden is rejecting the dreams of freedom of the Cuban people and harming the interests of this country. It is a final act that demonstrates the failure of his administration," he stated.
With the imminent arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency, Díaz-Balart expressed confidence that this decision will be quickly reversed.
"President Trump, the best friend of the cause of freedom in the world, will crush this measure and restore sanctions against the Castro regime," he said.
He added that "this regime's party will be very short," referring to the alleged relief this decision represents for the Cuban government.
Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism has sparked intense controversy in Congress and among sectors of the Cuban-American community, who view this action as a setback to efforts to pressure the Havana regime towards meaningful political change.
The Cuban government reacted this Tuesday to the decision by the United States to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and stated that this measure is "limited but correct".
In an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cuban regime described the measure as "limited," but one that represents a step in the right direction.
Similarly, the Cuban regime
Frequently Asked Questions about Biden's Decision and Policy towards Cuba
Why did Joe Biden decide to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism arguing that the Cuban government has not provided support for international terrorism in the last six months and has offered assurances of not backing terrorist acts in the future. The decision aims to ease tensions between the two countries and was facilitated by an agreement mediated by the Catholic Church which includes the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
How have Cuban-American congress members reacted to Biden's decision?
Cuban-American congressmen, such as Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez, have strongly criticized Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. They label it a "betrayal" of U.S. interests and believe it economically strengthens the Castro regime, allowing it to continue its repressive machinery.
What is the impact of the removal from the list for the Cuban regime?
The removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism means a relief from economic sanctions, which could improve the economic situation of the island. This translates to the lifting of financial restrictions on Cuban entities and the suspension of lawsuits over expropriated properties in Cuba. However, some Republican sectors believe that this measure strengthens the Cuban regime and compromises the national security of the United States.
What can be expected with the possible return of Donald Trump to the presidency concerning Cuba?
With the possible return of Donald Trump to the presidency, a toughening of policies towards Cuba is anticipated. Trump could reinstate sanctions and once again include Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Mario Díaz-Balart is confident that Trump will quickly reverse Biden's decision and adopt a tougher stance against the Cuban regime.
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