HAVANA, Cuba – A prominent journalist has reached out to President Joe Biden with a compelling request to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This plea comes as Biden’s presidential term nears its conclusion, highlighting an opportunity to rectify a significant misstep made by the previous administration.
The journalist underscores that on January 12, 2021, former President Donald Trump inaccurately re-added Cuba to the contentious list without proper legal justification. This action reversed the Obama administration’s earlier decision in 2015 to delist Cuba, which had paved the way for improved diplomatic relations.
The letter emphasizes Cuba’s long-standing stance against terrorism, asserting that the island nation has never supported or engaged in such activities. The journalist points out that for 65 years, amidst U.S.-Cuba tensions, there have been no cases of violence on U.S. soil attributed to Cuba.
Moreover, the letter argues that the ongoing designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism imposes unjust and harmful sanctions on its people, severely limiting humanitarian aid and economic opportunities. It details the adverse effects on Cubans, including restrictions on banking access, humanitarian aid, and tourism—key components that are vital for the nation’s economy.
The journalist calls for a reassessment of Cuba’s designation, noting that it contradicts the U.S. government’s acknowledgment of Cuba’s cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly since the country has hosted peace talks related to conflicts in Colombia.
As President Biden prepares to make final decisions in office, there is a growing call to take decisive action that aligns with the values of justice and peace. The time to address this ongoing issue and to remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list, thereby alleviating the hardships faced by its citizens, has never been more pressing.
