The Biden administration has taken a significant step in reshaping US-Cuba relations by delisting Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. This move, announced on Tuesday, is part of a broader effort to secure the release of political prisoners detained by the Cuban government in Havana.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden declared there is \"no credible evidence\" that Cuba is currently supporting international terrorism. This decision reverses the action taken by former President Donald Trump in January 2021, who had reinstated Cuba on the terrorist sponsors list in an effort to counter previous administrations' attempts at rapprochement.
Senior officials from the Biden administration revealed during a press call that the delisting is expected to facilitate the release of \"many dozens\" of prisoners. Additionally, Biden signed a national security memorandum that rescinds the 2017 Cuba sanction policy, lifting restrictions on certain Cuban individuals and entities engaging in financial transactions with US counterparts.
To further encourage the Cuban government to free political detainees, the administration has issued a six-month waiver for Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. This waiver prevents US nationals and others from filing claims in US courts regarding properties confiscated by Cuban authorities following the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
The efforts to normalize relations and secure the release of prisoners have been supported by the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis. Acknowledging this collaboration, President Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, highlighting the Pope's role in the negotiations.
This policy shift marks a significant turn in US-Cuba relations, aiming to foster dialogue and improve diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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Biden administration delists Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism
cgtn.com
