Cuban Authorities Welcome US Decision to Remove Cuba from Terror Sponsor List

Cuba stands firm in its position of confronting and denouncing the economic war policy of the United States, as well as the programs of interference and disinformation. Jan 14, 2025 Photo: Cubadebate

January 14, 2025 Hour: 6:04 pm

Rodríguez Parrilla called the U.S. decision a “very restricted” correction of a policy that has been cruel and unjust.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to this decision, stressing that “Cuba should never have been on that list” and that inclusion in it has had a high cost for the country and its families.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also spoke on the issue, emphasizing that Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism was “arbitrary and politically motivated.”

Rodríguez highlighted the severe impact that this categorization has had on the Cuban population, affecting the economy, causing shortages, and encouraging emigration to the United States.

Agradezco a todos los que contribuyeron a la decisión anunciada hoy por EE.UU de excluir a Cuba de la lista de estados patrocinadores del terrorismo en la que nunca debió estar y que, junto a otras dos medidas adoptadas, ha tenido un alto costo para el país y las familias cubanas
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) January 14, 2025

He thanked the governments, multilateral agencies, and civil society organizations that have shown solidarity with Cuba and called on them to continue supporting the Cuban people in their struggle against the blockade.

However, the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs warned that despite this positive decision, the economic blockade imposed by the United States remains in force. He noted that many of the coercive measures implemented since 2017 continue to seriously affect the country.

“The illegal persecution against fuel supplies and legitimate international medical cooperation agreements persists,” he said, adding that financial transactions related to Cuba remain prohibited.

#Cuba jamás debió ser parte de la lista arbitraria de Estados patrocinadores del terrorismo.

Fue designación arbitraria y políticamente motivada, que ha tenido impacto muy severo en población cubana, al agredir economía, provocar carencias e incentivar la emigración hacia EEUU.
— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) January 14, 2025

Rodríguez Parrilla called the U.S. decision a “very restricted” correction of a policy that has been cruel and unjust.

He stated that this measure should have been taken years ago, arguing that the recognition of the truth and Cuba’s exemplary performance in the fight against terrorism should have been sufficient for its exclusion.

Cuba stands firm in its position of confronting and denouncing the economic war policy of the United States, as well as the programs of interference and disinformation.

Despite the differences, the Cuban government has expressed its willingness to develop a relationship based on mutual respect and dialogue.