The deletion should be seen as an “expression of goodwill” to obtain the release of several people who participated in demonstrations against the Cuban regime in 2021. The deletion may also partly reduce economic sanctions against the country.
However, it is unclear whether Cuba will actually be deleted. Incoming president Donald Trump had the Caribbean country included on the list again at the end of his previous term of office.
Prisoners
Just hours after Biden made his announcement, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said his government would “gradually” release 553 prisoners after talks with the Vatican.
Cuba praised Biden’s decision to ease restrictions as “correct” but said the actions could be too little, too late, adding that future US administrations could reverse them.
