Biden Administration Removes Cuba from Terror Sponsor List

Reversing a Trump-era policy, the US certifies Cuba's non-support for international terrorism

Washington DC [US], January 15: The Biden administration announced its decision to remove Cuba from the US State Sponsor of Terrorism list, reversing the designation made by former President Donald Trump's administration in 2021.

The White House issued a press release titled "Certification of Rescission of Cuba's Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism", where President Joe Biden explained the rationale behind the decision.

"In accordance with the Constitution and US law, I certify that the Government of Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six-month period and has given assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future," Biden stated.

Background

Cuba was added to the State Sponsor of Terrorism list on January 11, 2021, by the US State Department, citing its alleged support for acts of terrorism, including harboring individuals accused of terrorist activities. At the time, the Trump administration emphasized Cuba’s safe harboring of members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, and its refusal to extradite individuals linked to a 2019 bombing in Colombia.

Cuban Response

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the initial designation, calling it a hypocritical act of "US political opportunism." Rodriguez had said, “The US’s inclusion of Cuba in the list was a cynical move that undermined genuine efforts to combat terrorism.”

Implications of Rescission

The decision to remove Cuba from the list signals a shift in US-Cuba relations under the Biden administration, focusing on rebuilding diplomatic ties. It follows growing international pressure to re-evaluate sanctions and restrictions placed on the island nation.

By lifting the designation, the Biden administration aims to foster improved relations while maintaining accountability for global counterterrorism efforts.