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Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez questioned President Donald Trump's decision to revoke Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, after he assumed the presidency of the United States on Monday.
Through his social media, Díaz-Canel accused Trump of acting with "arrogance" and promoting a "cruel economic war" against the island.
“President Trump, in an act of arrogance and disdain for the truth, has just reinstated the fraudulent designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. This is not surprising. His goal is to continue strengthening the cruel economic war against Cuba for purposes of dominance,” reads the text published by the Cuban leader.
Once again, Díaz-Canel blamed the United States for the deteriorating economic situation in Cuba and the migration crisis: "The result of the extreme economic blockade measures imposed by Trump has been to create shortages in our people and a significant increase in the migration flow from Cuba to the United States. This act of mockery and abuse confirms the discredit of the unilateral lists and coercive mechanisms of the U.S. government."
Context of Trump's revocation
The revocation was announced shortly after Trump became the 47th president of the United States, with an executive order that overturned the decision made by Joe Biden on January 14. Biden had removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of an agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church to release political prisoners on the island.
According to the White House, the revocation is in response to the strategic interests of the new administration, which believes that the Cuban government continues to pose a threat by supporting international terrorist activities.
Consequences for Cuba
The reinstatement of Cuba on this list carries severe economic sanctions, including financial and trade restrictions. The decision will be supported by Cuban-American congress members, who criticized Biden's stance, labeling it a "betrayal" of U.S. interests that strengthens the Cuban regime.
With this move, Trump reinstates the hardline approach of his first term towards Cuba, increasing economic and political pressures on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Inclusion on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
Why did Donald Trump decide to reinstate Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
Donald Trump reintroduced Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism because he believes that the Cuban government continues to pose a threat by supporting international terrorist activities. This decision is part of his hardline policy towards Cuba, which aims to increase economic and political pressure on the island.
What are the consequences for Cuba of being on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The inclusion of Cuba in the list of state sponsors of terrorism entails severe economic sanctions, including financial and trade restrictions.
How has the Cuban government responded to Trump's decision to reestablish Cuba on the terrorism list?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has strongly criticized Trump's decision, accusing him of acting with "arrogance" and of strengthening a "cruel economic war" against Cuba. Díaz-Canel blames the United States for the economic and migration crisis facing the island, stating that the sanctions have caused shortages among its population.
What position has the Joe Biden administration taken regarding Cuba and its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism?
The Biden administration had decided to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of an agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island. However, this decision was reversed by Trump upon taking office again, generating criticism from Republican sectors who believe that this removal betrayed the interests of the United States.
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