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U.S formally removes Cuba from terrorism blacklist

June 2, 2015 America has officially removed Cuba from a U.S. terrorism blacklist as part of the government’s processes of normalizing relations between enemies in the Cold War.

Both countries have begun restoring full diplomatic relations, with two embassies recently opening in Washington and Havana for the first time since 1961, when the U.S. severed diplomatic relations with the island.

Officials have said the two sides are close to resolving the final issues but the most recent round of talks ended with no announcement of an agreement. Both sides are being cautious, and understandably so.

John Kerry, America’s Secretary of State under the Obama led administration, signed the document formally removing Cuba from their blacklist of “state sponsor of terrorism”, 45 days after Congress was informed of the administration’s intent to do so on April 14. Lawmakers did not oppose it.

According to the statement, “The 45-day congressional pre-notification period has expired, and the secretary of state has made the final decision to rescind Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, effective today, May 29, 2015.

Both the U.S. and Cuba say the embassies are a first step in a larger process of normalizing relations, and tackling other bigger issues that have to be addressed.

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