Cuba, Jan 15 (V7N)- In a significant diplomatic move, the Biden administration announced its intention to remove Cuba from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision, revealed on Tuesday (January 14), is part of a broader agreement involving the release of prisoners and easing of economic sanctions, according to a report by BBC News.

Prisoner Release Agreement

As part of the agreement, Cuba released 553 prisoners, detained during anti-government protests. The deal was reportedly brokered through the mediation of the Catholic Church, highlighting a rare moment of cooperation between the two nations.

Historical Context

Relations between the United States and Cuba have been strained since the early 1960s, marked by the suspension of diplomatic ties for nearly five decades. During this time, neither country maintained an embassy in the other. A breakthrough occurred in 2015, when diplomatic relations were re-established under former President Barack Obama.

Obama also removed Cuba from the terrorism sponsor list, a designation that carries significant economic and political consequences. However, in 2021, during his term, Donald Trump reinstated Cuba on the list, citing alleged support for terrorist activities.

Biden’s Policy Shift

This latest decision reflects Joe Biden’s efforts to revise US foreign policy in the final days of his administration. By removing Cuba from the terrorism list and easing sanctions, Biden aims to repair strained ties and foster improved relations between the two nations.

Implications for US-Cuba Relations

The move is expected to ease economic restrictions on Cuba, potentially facilitating trade and investment. It may also pave the way for further dialogue on issues like human rights and democratic reforms.

Conclusion

This policy shift marks a step toward improving relations between Washington and Havana, with potential long-term impacts on regional diplomacy and economic cooperation. However, the response from the incoming administration and other stakeholders remains to be seen.

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