MIAMI - Miami Mayor Francis Saurez blasted President Joe Biden and his administration on Wednesday for removing Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST).
"Joe Biden just gave a massive gift to the Cuban dictatorship—relief from sanctions and a free pass for their crimes," Saurez said. "His cowardice in the face of tyranny will embolden Havana’s worst actors. It’s weak, it’s unforgivable, and Miami will remember."
In exchange, the Biden administration agreed to release political prisoners jailed for protesting against the communist nation in July 2021.
The announcement also comes five days before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated for his second term. During his first term in office, Trump placed the SST designation on Cuba.
Throughout Biden's presidency, Cuban officials pushed to remove the SST designation. However, acceptance from the United States had been fairly mute until yesterday.
According to the United States Department of State, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Iran, and Syria remain designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism. Cuba had been on the list since Jan. 12, 2021.
Moving forward, the Biden administration must notify Congress of the decision. Although, very little can be done by lawmakers upon review.
The decision also received praise from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, as well as the broad, emphatic and reiterated call by numerous governments, particularly those of Latin America and the Caribbean; Cubans residing abroad; political, religious and social organizations and numerous political figures of the United States and other countries. The government of Cuba expresses its gratitude to all of them for their contribution and sensitivity," the Ministry said.
Despite the agreement, the Ministry noted the United States' economic blockade on Cuba would remain in place. The United States has maintained an embargo on Cuba since February 1962 under President John F. Kennedy.
Other Miami officials, including State House Republican Juan Porras, echoed Suarez's sentiment on social media.
"It is insane that the Biden administration would cozy up to communist dictators in their last hours in the White House," Porras said.
