The Obama administration lifted Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism on Friday despite the State Department’s admission that it continues to harbor concerns about the Castro regime’s policies.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry formally removed Cuba from the sponsors of terrorism list after Congress declined to raise objections during a 45-day review period. In a statement, Jeff Rathke, a spokesman for the State Department, said "Cuba meets the statutory criteria for rescission" from the terror list.
"While the United States has significant concerns and disagreements with a wide range of Cuba’s policies and actions, these fall outside the criteria relevant to the rescission of a State Sponsor of Terrorism designation," he said.
The administration claims the Castro regime has withdrawn longstanding support for terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC). However, critics say Cuba continues to aid rogue regimes and U.S. adversaries.
Authorities intercepted vessels based in North Korea and China in the last two years after they were caught with illicit arms shipments tied to Cuba.
Additionally, Cuba continues to provide protection for dozens of U.S. fugitives. President Raul Castro has so far resisted calls to extradite fugitives such as JoAnne Chesimard, who was convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper in 1973 and accused of committing domestic terrorist acts for the Black Liberation Army.