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The United States has officially removed Cuba from its list of countries “not cooperating fully” in the fight against terrorism, according to a State Department official on Wednesday.
This change follows the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. “The department determined that the circumstances for Cuba’s certification as a ‘not fully cooperating country’ have changed from 2022 to 2023,” the official explained. This marks a notable shift by the Biden administration, which had previously upheld Trump-era restrictions on Cuba.
Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez welcomed the announcement but called for further action. He stated on social media, “The US has just admitted what is known to everyone: that Cuba collaborates fully with efforts against terrorism.” He urged the US to end its “arbitrary and unjust inclusion” of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The cooperation against terrorism list, mandated by law to be submitted to Congress, is distinct from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Former President Donald Trump had designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism just before leaving office, a move Cuba claims has exacerbated its economic crisis and caused shortages of essential goods.
