CUBA: US removes country from ‘terrorists sponsors’ list

Cuba’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the country has finally been removed from the State Department’s list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism. In a statement on its website on January 14, the foreign ministry commended the United States for taking the right steps but noted that the economic blockade slammed on Cuba remained in […]

Cuba’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the country has finally been removed from the State Department’s list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism.

In a statement on its website on January 14, the foreign ministry commended the United States for taking the right steps but noted that the economic blockade slammed on Cuba remained in force, calling for it to be lifted immediately.

“This decision puts an end to specific coercive measures which, together with many others, seriously damage the Cuban economy and have a severe impact on the population. This is, and has been, an ever-present issue in all official exchanges between Cuba and the Government of the United States,” the statement said.

“It is important to point out that the economic blockade and a large part of the tens of coercive measures entered into force since 2017 to further strengthen it, still remain in force, with their full extraterritorial impact and in violation of International Law and the human rights of all Cubans.

• Tax reforms: Student groups canvass participation in public hearing
• Why airlines’ funds can’t be trapped in Nigeria again – Finchglow GMD

“The following are just a few examples: The illegal and aggressive persecution of the fuel supplies that Cuba is legally entitled to import continues. The cruel and absurd persecution of the legitimate international medical cooperation agreements that Cuba has signed with other countries is maintained, thus threatening to deprive millions of persons of health services and limiting the potential of Cuba’s public health system. The international financial transactions of Cuba or those of any national that might be linked to Cuba continue to be subject to prohibitions and reprisals. Merchant vessels touching Cuban ports continue to be under threat.”

It added that US citizens, companies or subsidiaries of US corporations are not allowed to trade with Cuba or Cuban entities, with very limited and regulated exceptions. 

“Harassment, intimidation and threats against a national from any country intending to trade with Cuba or invest in this country continue to be part of the official policy of the United States.  Cuba continues to be a destination banned for US citizens by their government,” the Cuban government said.