Honduras Calls on US to Remove Cuba from Terrorism List, Condemns Economic Embargo

On June 2, the Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the United States to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. This call comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba over the decades-long economic embargo and human rights issues.

Why this matters: The removal of Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism has significant implications for international relations and global politics. If successful, it could lead to a relaxation of economic sanctions and improved diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Honduran government expressed solidarity with Cuba, highlighting the severe impact of the US economic embargo, which has been in place for over six decades. In their statement, the Honduran Foreign Ministry denounced the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing it as a violation of international law.

The ministry stated, *"The Government of Honduras reiterates its rejection of unilateral designations that go against the fundamental principles of International Law..."* and criticized the criteria used for such designations as arbitrary. They argued that these measures violate basic human rights such as rights to life, food, health, and education.

Despite the US State Department's confirmation on May 15 that Cuba was removed from the list of countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorist efforts, Cuba remains on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST). This list also includes Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The US government cited Cuba's refusal to collaborate with Colombia in extraditing members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla being the reason for its SST designation in 2022.

In August 2022, the Colombian Attorney General's Office suspended arrest warrants against 17 ELN commanders, including those whom Cuba had requested to extradite. This development raised questions about the validity of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The Honduran government's statement is seen as a show of solidarity with Cuba and a rejection of unilateral US sanctions. The economic embargo on Cuba has had a profound impact on the island's economy, affecting various sectors including health, education, and food security.

The US law requires the Secretary of State to determine that a country has repeatedly provided support to terrorist groups to designate it as a sponsor of terrorism. Honduras argues that such designations should be based on objective criteria and not used as a tool for political leverage.

The international community continues to debate the merits of the US's stance on Cuba, with the call from Honduras adding to the growing voices urging a reassessment of the policies affecting the island nation.

Key Takeaways

• Honduras urges US to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism.
• Removal could lead to relaxed economic sanctions and improved diplomatic ties.
• Honduras denounces US embargo, citing human rights violations and economic harm.
• Cuba remains on SST list despite US confirmation of cooperation on anti-terror efforts.
• International community debates US stance on Cuba, with growing calls for policy reassessment.