Gene Psaki emphasized that the United States has no reason to rush to take larger initiatives toward the island nation ruled by the Communists. Many expected improved relations from the new government led by President Joe Biden after Trump reflected the rapprochement between the two countries, which his predecessor, Barack Obama, had begun.
“Changing Cuba’s policy is not currently one of President Biden’s priorities,” the spokesman said at a news conference.
He added, “Nevertheless, we are committed to making human rights one of the basic pillars of US foreign policy, and therefore we will carefully review the decisions taken during the previous administration, such as including Cuba in the list of countries supporting terrorism.” .
In the final days of Trump’s term, on January 11, it was announced that Cuba would be re-added to this list, from which the Obama administration removed the country in 2015, removing an important obstacle to diplomatic rapprochement.
In recent years, relations between Havana and Washington have re-emerged. After an alleged ultrasound attack, the United States withdrew most of its diplomats from the Havana embassy and withdrew the easing of the economic embargo it accepted.
Along with Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea, it is currently on the list of states that support terrorism.
Trump justified the inclusion of Cuba on the record by hiding American defectors and Colombian rebel leaders and supporting the Venezuelan regime. However, the judges said the decision was somewhat politicized and not backed by evidence.
MTI