On Wednesday, the United States took the diplomatic step of removing Cuba from a list of countries that are “not fully cooperating” in counterterrorism efforts, a State Department official confirmed.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Cuba would be removed from the State Department’s list of countries deemed not to be fully cooperating in counterterrorism efforts. This decision was influenced by the new cooperation between Cuban and US law enforcement agencies, especially in the field of counterterrorism. according to To the Associated Press. This decision reflects an improvement in bilateral relations marked by the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries, which led the United States to reassess Cuba’s previous non-cooperation designation.
The United States has removed Cuba from its shortlist of countries it says are not “fully cooperating” in the fight against terrorism, but Cuba remains listed as a state sponsor of terrorism, a State Department official said Wednesday. It was announced on . https://t.co/3hqY7BKPiD
— NBC Latino (@NBCLatino) May 15, 2024
Cuba was designated as “not fully cooperating” with U.S. counterterrorism efforts in 2022, as a result of Cuba’s refusal to engage in counterterrorism efforts. Columbia Associated Press reported on the extradition of members of the National Liberation Army, a designated terrorist organization. This situation evolved as Colombia withdrew its arrest warrants against these National Liberation Army members and with the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between the United States and Cuba. These changes could potentially impact Cuba’s designation in future assessments.
The list, maintained by the State Department, is an integral part of U.S. arms export laws and identifies countries deemed not to be fully cooperating with counterterrorism efforts. Despite Cuba being removed from the list, North Korea, Syria, Iran and Venezuela remain, the Associated Press said. (Related: ‘Defeat Communism’: Cuba Freedom Rally Held in Front of the White House)
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez welcomed the decision, but stressed that further steps could be taken to fully normalize relations.
“The US acknowledged what everyone knows all too well: #Cuba will fully cooperate with counterterrorism efforts,” Rodriguez said. Said On Twitter. “Any political manipulation of this issue must end. The arbitrary and unjust inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism must end.”
