US puts Cuba back on 'state sponsor of terrorism' list

DW

US puts Cuba back on 'state sponsor of terrorism' list

The outgoing Trump administration hit Cuba with new terrorism sanctions shortly before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

The US State Department put Cuba back on a blacklist designating it a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Monday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the move in a statement, noting Cuba's harboring of US fugitives as well as its support for Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

It's the latest in a series of major policy moves made by President Donald Trump's administration before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20.

Cuba was removed from the list in 2015 by then-president Barack Obama as he moved to normalize relations with the country.
What did Pompeo say?

Pompeo said Cuba was being blacklisted again for "repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism" as well as harboring US fugitives and Colombian rebel leaders.

"With this action, we will once again hold Cuba's government accountable and send a clear message: the Castro regime must end its support for international terrorism and subversion of US justice," Pompeo said, referring to former Cuban leaders Fidel and Raul Castro.

"The United States will continue to support the Cuban people in their desire for a democratic government and respect for human rights, including freedom of religion, expression and association," he said in a statement.

Also on Monday, the US State Department moved to declare Yemen's Houthi rebels as a "terrorist organization."

Full story https://www.dw.com/en/us-puts-cuba-back-on-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list/a-56198156