US removes Cuba from terror blacklist

The Punch - Nigeria

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.

Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington, said the removal of Cuba from the terror list would also help in the process of lifting economic sanctions.

“I think you’re going to see American businesses trying to flood into Cuba now, trying to get in on the ground floor,” she said.

“You’ll see more Americans in Cuba, many more Cubans around the country.”

Friday’s removal of Cuba from the terrorism list had been a key Cuban demand as the countries