US President Joe Biden, who will leave office in a week, announced the removal of Cuba from the list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism.’ Under this resolution, the US government will take steps to remove Cuba from the State Department’s list of countries alleged to support terrorism. Additionally, the administration will use presidential prerogative to prevent proceedings in US courts against cases brought under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and remove the list of restricted Cuban entities with influence over third countries. This list identifies entities with which US citizens and entities are prohibited from engaging in financial transactions.
Despite the limited nature of the decision, the Cuban government expressed gratitude for the contributions and sensitivity of all parties involved. This move ends certain coercive measures that have caused significant damage to the Cuban economy and negatively impacted its population. The issue was also a key topic in Cuba’s official negotiations with the US government.
However, the broader economic blockade of Cuba and the dozens of sanctions imposed since 2017 remain in force. For example, the illegal suppression of fuel supplies, which Cuba has a legitimate right to import, continues. Additionally, Cuba’s legitimate international medical cooperation agreements with other countries remain blocked, threatening to deprive millions of people of healthcare and limiting the potential of the Cuban public health system.
International financial transactions involving Cuban nationals or entities linked to Cuba are still prohibited and subject to reprisals. Commercial ships docking in Cuba also face ongoing threats. Furthermore, all US citizens, companies, and subsidiaries of US companies are prohibited from trading with Cuba or Cuban entities, with only very limited and regulated exceptions.
The US government’s official policy continues to harass, intimidate, and threaten citizens of any country that proposes to trade with or invest in Cuba. Moreover, Cuba remains a destination that the US government prohibits its citizens from visiting.
