Cuba, no more suspect of terrorism sponsorship

by Benson Agoha | United States

It has been expected for the past month and now it has been realised: Cuba is officially no more on the list of countries accused of sponsoring terrorism.

US Secretary of State: John Kerry

In a breaking news, Fox News said the State Department has removed Cuba from its list of state-sponsored terrorism.

The move paves the way for full diplomatic relations between US and Cuba, the opening of embassies and the lifting of some trade barriers.

Some European countries had been urging the US to remove Cuba from the list so that mutual cooperation can be accelerated between them.

Below see the Fox News report:

The U.S. has taken Cuba off its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Secretary of State John Kerry has signed an order removing Cuba from the U.S. terrorism blacklist as part of the process of normalizing relations between the Cold War foes.

Kerry acted 45 days after the Obama administration informed Congress of its intent to do so. Lawmakers had that much time to weigh in and try to block the move, but did not do so.

The step comes as officials from the countries continue to hash out details of restoring full diplomatic relations, including opening embassies in Washington and Havana and returning ambassadors to the two countries. Friday's removal of Cuba from the terrorism list had been a key Cuban demand.

by Benson Agoha (with lead from Fox News).