Friday, May 29, 2015

US Drops Cuba from State Terrorism List


The State Department announced today that Cuba is no longer a state sponsor of terrorism, paving the way for full diplomatic recognition and an opening of embassies.

It has been 45 days since President Obama announced plans to remove Cuba from the list of nations that support terrorism and there has been no attempt by Congress to stop the action.

Removing the terror designation would also lift some trade barriers against Cuba. But the overall embargo would remain, requiring congressional action to reverse.

Sources tell ABC News today's action paves the way to opening embassies in Havana and Washington. An announcement on that move may come as early as next week.

Preparations in both countries are well underway including remodeling at the current Interest Sections, which have served as diplomatic headquarters since the late 1970s.

The last time that both countries had embassies was January 1961.

Sources say both sides are optimistic that differences such as in-country travel by diplomats have been resolved.

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