WCC Supports U.S. Decision to Remove Cuba’s Terrorism Designation

The World Council of Churches welcomed the U.S. decision to revoke Cuba’s state sponsor of terrorism designation, which it believes will relieve hardships for Cubans. The WCC has long called for the end of the embargo, emphasizing the need for international support for Cuba’s well-being.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed its support for the United States’ decision to rescind Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. WCC general secretary, Olav Fykse Tveit, remarked that this decision aims to alleviate the hardships experienced by the Cuban populace, exacerbated by the U.S. designation and embargo. He further encouraged the international community to seize this opportunity to enhance the lives and prospects of the Cuban people.

Cuba was first labeled a state sponsor of terrorism in 1982 during the Reagan administration, allegedly due to its support for communist movements in Latin America and Africa. This designation resulted in a range of economic sanctions, restricting foreign aid, defense exports, and various financial transactions.

For years, the WCC has advocated for the abolition of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba, positioning itself as a prophetic voice for peace, hope, and mutual respect. The 11th Assembly of the WCC, held in 2022, officially urged the removal of Cuba from the list of terrorist-sponsoring nations.

President Barack Obama initiated efforts to normalize relations with Cuba in December 2014, culminating in the removal of its terrorism designation in 2015. However, in January 2021, just before his term ended, President Donald Trump re-instated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The WCC applauds the U.S. government’s reversal on Cuba’s state sponsor of terrorism designation, viewing it as a means to diminish hardship for the Cuban people. The council advocates for an end to the embargo, seeking improved living conditions and prospects for Cubans. Historical context reveals the designation’s impact since 1982, highlighting the ongoing debate over U.S.-Cuba relations and the importance of international support for Cuba’s future.

Original Source: www.oikoumene.org