US decision on Cuba should pave the way for normalisation of US-Cuba relations – Kearney
15 January 2025
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA has welcomed the rescinding of Cuba’s designation as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ by the United States.
Following the announcement, the South Antrim MLA said:
“The ‘Certification of Rescission of Cuba’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism’ is a welcome decision by the current US government. This must now pave the way towards normalisation of positive diplomatic and economic US-Cuba relations.
“President Obama’s administration previously made significant efforts to normalise relations between both countries. The d
iplomatic advances made during that period were encouraging and pointed to a constructive way forward; however, this progress was subsequently reversed by President Trump’s first administration.
“The incoming US Presidency should now build upon this decision by the Biden administration. The potential opportunities which arise for a new era of relations between the US and Cuba should not be squandered or undermined.
“The six-decade long blockade against Cuba is wrong, indefensible and has been repeatedly rejected by democratic international opinion. The blockade has inflicted extreme socio-economic hardships upon Cuba and its population. It is long past time for it to be ended, and with immediate effect.
“The incoming Irish government should deploy its international diplomatic influence and resources to build on this new development, to encourage full normalisation of US-Cuba relations, and to support the campaign for a comprehensive end of the blockade against the Republic of Cuba and its people.”
