WASHINGTON – The Trump administration puts Cuba back on the list of countries considered state sponsors of terrorism, a senior U.S. official said, and has taken a 2015 step by the Obama administration to tie ties with the former opponent of the Cold War to thaw, recall.
The redesign, announced Monday, could hamper President-elect Joe Biden’s efforts to improve ties with Havana. This is the latest in a series of foreign policy steps the administration has taken in recent days to try to lock up policy before leaving office.
The list of the state department to which Cuba is added includes Syria, Iran and North Korea. Cuba was removed from the list in 2015 because the Obama administration wanted to build ties with the country, part of a campaign that includes promoting commercial air travel, reopening embassies and visiting President Obama.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to argue that the move is justified because Cuba sheltered an American convicted of the 1973 assassination of a New Jersey troop and other charges against the Cuban government. quote.
A formal statement from the administration is expected to be issued later on Monday.