
By: Agencies
Source: MWC News
The US has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
John Kerry, the US secretary of state, has signed an order removing Cuba from the terrorism blacklist as part of the process of strengthening ties between the former Cold War foes.
The move happened 45 days after the Obama administration informed the Congress of its intention to do so. US politicians had that period of time to try to block the move, but did not, as the step was widely supported by all sides of politics.
It comes as officials from the countries continue to hash out details of restoring full diplomatic relations, including opening embassies in Washington and Havana and returning ambassadors to the two countries.
Friday’s removal of Cuba from the terrorism list had been a key Cuban demand as the countries move towards normalising relations.
The presidents of the US and Cuba met at the Summit of the Americas in Panama City in April, in the first meetings between the countries’ leaders in more than 50 years.
The leaders agreed that a strong majority of citizens in both Cuba and the US would back warmer relations.