Cuba off from US terror list
New Post has been published on http://www.newsnish.com/international/cuba-off-from-us-terror-list/
Cuba off from US terror list
The United States removed Cuba from its blacklist as a state sponsor of terrorism yesterday, in a landmark move aimed at paving the way towards normalizing ties frozen for half a century.
The decision means Cuba will now have better access to US banking facilities and American aid, and a ban on arms exports and sales is also lifted.
It also wipes out an international stigma which Havana â on the blacklist since 1982 â has long contended was groundless and unfair.
US President Barack Obama had notified Congress earlier this year that he intended to remove Havana from the list, giving lawmakers 45 days to object, which elapsed Friday.
Now Secretary of State John Kerry âhas made the final decision to rescind Cubaâs designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, effective today, May 29, 2015,â the State Department said in a statement.
âThe rescission of Cubaâs designation as a state sponsor of terrorism reflects our assessment that Cuba meets the statutory criteria for rescission,â the statement said.
âWhile the United States has significant concerns and disagreements with a wide range of Cubaâs policies and actions, these fall outside the criteria relevant to the rescission of a state sponsor of terrorism designation.â
It is just the latest ground-breaking development in a fast-moving rapprochement between the Cold War foes, after Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro agreed in December to restore relations that have languished in the doldrums since 1961.
Obama has already made it easier for 12 categories of Americans to visit the communist island, no longer requiring them to apply for a license before traveling.
But regular tourism remains off-limits. Trips are limited to specific visits including education, sports, culture or journalism.
Those allowed to visit Cuba can bring back home $100 worth of cigars or rum, and pay for purchases on the islands with credit cards.
US companies are now allowed to invest in Cubaâs tiny but growing private sector, which emerged under modest economic reforms launched by Castro.
In March, the two countries re-established a direct telephone link and the US Treasury Department removed sanctions on some 60 individuals, shipping companies and trading firms.
So far teams from the two countries have met four times seeking to work out the terms for re-opening their embassies.
Officials say the talks have made progress, but nothing concrete was announced at the last round, held in Washington a week ago, and sticking points remain.
