US removes Cuba from terror blacklist in key step to restoring diplomatic relations
Move is the biggest toward repairing relations since effort was announced in December
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The US has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that Cuba has said would be crucial in restoring diplomatic ties between the two countries after 54 years of frozen relations.
The US State Department announced the move in a statement on Friday, a week after diplomats from the two countries held high-level talks aimed at reopening embassies in Havana and Washington DC, respectively.
Top Cuban diplomat Josefina Vidal and US Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson said the talks last week were fruitful, according to the Associated Press. The countries agreed to further discussions on conditions for improving relations.
Re-establishing relations with Cuba has been a top priority of President Barack Obama since December, when he announced his plans to reopen embassies. He has since met – and shaken hands with – Cuban President Raul Castro.
Earlier this week, the countries re-established banking ties, seen as an important hurdle in improving relations. Cuban diplomats previously were required to deal only in cash when visiting the US.
Although dropping Cuba from the US terror list was a necessary step to improve relations, the trade embargo and travel restrictions remain in place. Even if the countries re-open embassies, the trade embargo can only be thrown out by US Congress.
Follow @PaytonGuion on Twitter.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments