Gambiaj.com – (WASHINGTON, United States) – The Biden administration announced on Tuesday the removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list, a move linked to the anticipated release of political prisoners detained during protests against the Cuban regime in July 2021.

The SST designation, initially imposed by the Trump administration in its final week, was a contentious issue throughout President Biden’s term. While the decision has been lauded by Cuban officials and some international actors, it has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers.

In a briefing with reporters, senior administration officials emphasized that the SST list is subject to ongoing review and that current evidence does not support Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Officials cited diplomatic requests for the removal, particularly from Colombia, where Cuba has played a positive role in peace negotiations. Support for the decision also came from countries like Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Canada, alongside the European Union.

“Removing Cuba from the list is a step toward creating a more constructive environment,” a senior official noted. “We believe these actions will be broadly well received in the region and beyond.”

The U.S. also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Catholic Church in fostering dialogue with the Cuban government. Officials highlighted the humanitarian focus of this agreement, underscoring the importance of releasing those detained during the 2021 protests. Amnesty International estimates that 671 individuals were jailed following the unrest.

Economic and Policy Adjustments

In addition to lifting the SST designation, the Biden administration announced other measures to incentivize the Cuban government’s cooperation. These include:

Waiver of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act: This blocks U.S. nationals from filing claims in U.S. courts over property confiscated during the Cuban Revolution.

Rescission of Trump-era Sanctions: Biden revoked “National Security Presidential Memorandum 5,” effectively ending restrictions on financial transactions with specific Cuban entities.

These actions, officials said, aim to alleviate some of the economic pressures on Cuba while addressing humanitarian concerns.

Cuba’s Response and Ongoing Challenges

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, describing it as “a step in the right direction” while reiterating demands for the U.S. to end its economic embargo. The ministry’s statement highlighted the sustained international calls for Cuba’s removal from the SST list, including those from Latin American and Caribbean nations, global organizations, and political figures.

However, Cuban officials stressed that the embargo continues to inflict significant damage on the island’s economy and population. They called for broader reforms in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Domestic Political Fallout

The decision has reignited partisan debates in the U.S. over policy toward Cuba. Republican lawmakers, including Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), sharply criticized the move. Rubio, Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, has introduced legislation that would tie Cuba’s removal from the SST list to democratic reforms and the release of all political prisoners.

“Today’s decision is unacceptable on its merits. The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased,” Cruz said in a statement, pledging to work with former President Trump to reverse the action.

This decision mirrors Trump’s 2021 designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, leaving Biden with a politically sensitive issue. As Biden prepares to leave office, the move shifts the burden to the incoming administration, which will need to decide whether to uphold or reverse the policy.

International and Regional Outlook

The Biden administration expressed confidence that the decision would strengthen ties with regional allies and improve the humanitarian situation in Cuba. The agreement, facilitated with support from the Catholic Church, sets the stage for the release of political prisoners before the end of Biden’s term.

However, the future of U.S.-Cuba relations remains uncertain, with the Trump administration poised to shape its approach following Biden’s departure. As debates intensify, the implications of this decision will likely reverberate in both domestic and international arenas.