USCCB hails decision to remove terror designation from Cuba

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J-P Mauro - published on 01/19/25

The US bishops have expressed their hopes that the move could lead to restored trade and a bilateral relationship for the benefit of both nations.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, Bishop Elias Zaidan, praised the Biden administration for removing Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The decision was made on Tuesday, January 14, just days before President Biden is scheduled to end his term.

The move answers calls for such changes made in a July 2024 letter sent to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. At the time, the bishop expressed his pleasure upon seeing Cuba removed from a list of nations that do not cooperate with US anti-terrorism efforts.

Echoing the previous calls for change from his predecessor, Bishop Malloy, Bishop Zaidan’s 2024 letter went on to call for the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, as well as the establishment of a bilateral cooperation between America and Cuba, which he suggested would be to the benefit of the people of both nations.

He reiterated this sentiment in his response to the January 2025 change to Cuba’s distinction. In his comments, provided by the USCCB, he hoped that the next step would include ending the economic embargo against the island nation:

“It is my hope that this policy shift renews our country’s bilateral engagement on Cuba, and that it prompts both the United States and Cuba to explore a greater degree of collaboration, including bilateral trade and greater access to travel between our nations.”

More:
https://aleteia.org/2025/01/19/usccb-hails-decision-to-remove-terror-designation-from-cuba