RT-Engels: 15-01-2025,
Donald Trump blacklisted Havana in the final days of his first term and could reverse the decision again
President Joe Biden has notified Congress of his intent to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, aiming to facilitate the release of “political prisoners” through a deal brokered by the Catholic Church, the White House has announced.
Senior US administration officials told the Associated Press on Tuesday that “many dozens” of detainees whom Washington considers “unjustly” held would be released by the end of Biden’s term on January 20. In exchange, Washington plans to ease some economic pressures on Havana, including reversing aspects of a 2017 memorandum that had toughened the US stance toward Cuba.
“In taking these steps to bolster the ongoing dialogue between the government of Cuba and the Catholic Church, President Biden is also honoring the wisdom and counsel that has been provided to him by many world leaders,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed in a statement.
The Cuban government described the US decision as a “step in the right direction” but stressed that most of the economic blockade and sanctions remain in force, continuing to hinder the island’s development. Havana highlighted that ongoing fuel import restrictions, trade bans, and financial penalties severely impact its population.
Cuba also criticized the timing of the decision,